Reviews

When I was a kid in the early 2000s, Lindsay Lohan was across the holy trinity of sleepover movies: Mean Girls, Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen and Freaky Friday. Each is a sacred text, a rite of passage watched until you and your friends are all word perfect, songs and scenes ingrained into your memory well into adulthood.

Thankfully, Hollywood is hellbent on resurrecting as many existing IPs as it possibly can, meaning Disney is giving us girls now in their 30s a sequel to the 2003 body swap comedy Freakier Friday. In the original movie, a mum and daughter swapped bodies, which allowed them to realize how they’ve been unfair to the other (don’t worry, they got switched back in the end). Lindsay Lohan is now on the other side of rebuilding her post-child star life and ready to reunite with Jamie Lee Curtis, and the result is absolutely glorious.

Mild spoilers for Freakier Friday ahead.

Let’s start with the bad news: Lohan’s Anna and Jake (Chad Michael Murray) are no longer together in Freakier Friday, despite their will-they-won’t-they romance being the entire plot of the first movie. Anna has decided to go parenthood alone in Freakier Friday, raising now 15-year-old daughter Harper (Julia Butters) on her own. Tess (Curtis) is the psychologist-turned-podcaster we remember, intent on helicopter grandparenting as best as she can. Anna meets fellow parent Eric (Manny Jacinto) when Harper gets into trouble with his daughter Lily (Sophia Hammons), and the two fall in love. When Anna and Eric soon plan to get married, a (frankly terrible) mystic at her bachelorette party swaps spirits between the quartet, and it’s a race against time to fix it.

When I found out that the storyline beats were almost exactly the same as the original movie just with additional characters I didn’t want, and even when I saw the trailer, I was braced for the worst. However, nothing could have prepared me for the spring in my step immediately after watching the full movie, which is a lightness I haven’t felt through films for decades. Freakier Friday ticks all the boxes we’re desperate for it to (feel-good storytelling with a light-hearted touch, Lohan at her best, silly nods to girlhood) and that’s going to be a lot of happy young women who’ve been left unfilled by mainstream media.

Freakier Friday is far from perfect, but it is a millennial teenage dream

The best things in life are those that are perfectly imperfect, and in an industry that’s striving for AI greatness and motion-blended superhero glory, that’s refreshing. As a Disney movie, Freakier Friday is not trying to be anything else – it’s not trying to compete as a box office smash, and it’s not trying to get a new audience base. Instead, it’s a love letter to its fans from way back when, and in turn, for Lindsay Lohan, too.

For me, the best part of Freakier Friday is seeing a happy, healthy Lohan back where we want her and absolutely loving it. She thrives working with Curtis and Murray, and it’s almost as if no time has passed. Freaky Friday clearly created an environment she felt comfortable in, meaning she could give her whole heart to the sequel when the timing was biologically right (according to Curtis, Disney was approached when Lohan could viably have a teen daughter).

Lohan turns up to our premiere in a nod to the final outfit she wore in Freaky Friday, and the love in the room for what they have created is palpable. It shows in every one of her scenes, effortlessly finding the balance between legendary Disney icon and a comeback kid proving she never lost the acting chops she was once heralded for. Between them, Lohan and Curtis go full throttle back into the 2000s, with plenty of references to their original movie through a stylised narrative structure typically left behind in the noughties (think school food fights, comedic detention scenes and impromptu fashion shows).

If you’re a fellow child of the noughties, Freakier Friday has this wonderfully rare ability to suspend time, leaving the everyday stresses of 2025 life at bay. In this bubble, the biggest worry is seeing whether Pink Slip will play ‘Take Me Away’ (more on that later), and if Anna will make it to her wedding on time. There’s love, laughs, and plenty of Easter eggs, and it’s genuinely the closest we can come to travelling back in time.

New additions hold up just as well, for the most part

Lindsay Lohan (Anna) and Jamie Lee Curtis (Tess) in Freakier Friday. (Image credit: Disney)

However, this doesn’t mean the new elements in Freakier Friday are left out in the cold. There’s a fresh take on modern social stereotypes that doesn’t feel as though someone’s mom has written it – instead the movie comes across as understanding what it means to be a young woman in the 2020s. Nobody is taking themselves or anything around them too seriously, meaning the movie has flexibility to lean into the unhinged storytelling that children’s TV was fixated with 20 years ago.

The only place this doesn’t entirely work is with popular singer Ella (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan), who Anna now manages. She struggles to feel like a popstar that would genuinely appeal to the TikTok generation, shoehorned into the plot just so Anna has enough emotional background to make up for her split with Jake.

This brings me to my biggest gripe with the sequel – you cannot continue a well-known 2000s IP and not use Chad Michael Murray properly. He was the biggest onscreen heartthrob of a generation, and I was genuinely overcome with nostalgia by seeing him in the flesh just before watching the movie. I hope he’d still be with Anna (or at the very least be back together by the end), but he’s sparsely seen and is only used to prop up jokes coming from Tess. There’s no explanation for why they’re no longer together, and, without spoilers, there’s certainly a missed opportunity to extend his connection to the movie’s main dilemma.

But enough about Chad (I’ll just rewatch Sullivan’s Crossing for a Murray hit). What about Pink Slip? Yes, the iconic fictional band is back together, and yes, you’ll see the entire back catalog. I recommend watching with your best friend for the full emotional effect of belting the words as the band has their onscreen reunion, albeit you might be a bit thrown off by a jarring edit that goes against the original film’s soundtrack. Still, this is a small price to pay for a cinematic moment of dreams, and boy, seeing Christina Vidal back where she belongs is mine.

Frankly, I’m impressed with Freakier Friday. The minute a sequel comes out decades after the original, it’s set up for a losing streak, but Lohan and Curtis’ effortless embodiment of 2003 means the overall premise works despite the huge chunk of time in between. Cinema buffs will say it’s terrible, and they’re probably right. But Freakier Friday is a worthwhile sequel, and it’s definitely what I – and I imagine other noughties children – want.

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Zach Cregger burst onto the horror scene in 2022 with what looked to be a simple tale about a double booked Airbnb in the movie Barbarian. With the film praised so highly by horror fans, how could he possibly outdo himself?

Enter Weapons, a new movie that I genuinely believe is even better than Barbarian due to its wonderful cocktail of horror, dark comedy and mystery that keeps you guessing throughout.

Weapons has had some of the best viral marketing I’ve ever seen for a horror movie. Indeed, it's not all hype and no substance, as after watching the movie I can report that it lives up to all the scary videos and the real looking website you've seen online.

Weapons follows a shocking mystery that shocks a small town. At 2:17am, all but one child mysteriously vanishes from the same class, leaving a sea of worried parents and baffled police officials behind to pick up the pieces.

Fingers are soon pointed towards Justine Gandy (Julia Garner) after the town realizes that it was only the teacher's class impacted by this terrifying phenomenon. CCTV footage shows the children all running, arms outstretched, their destination unknown, and Gandy becomes ostracized as a result.

(Image credit: Warner Bros.)

She's just one of the main characters we follow in the movie, though. The others are Archer Graff (Josh Brolin), a worried father, Paul Morgan (Alden Ehrenreich), a police officer, and Andrew Marcus (Benedict Wong), the school principal.

The less I say about this movie, the better because it's good to know as little as possible before watching Weapons. But just know that this mystery leaves the entire community stumped and soon puts them in danger too.

This is a movie that doesn't let up. Often with horror movies we feel safer when there's scenes set in the daytime, but Weapons has you constantly on edge from the ominous intro all the way to the final credits. It's terrifying and anxiety inducing – everything you could want from a Barbarian follow-up.

Cregger told me during an interview that "if you liked Barbarian, this is more – and in a good way" – and he's absolutely right. It does dial the horror up to 100, and left my jaw on the floor for a lot of it. Some of Weapons scariest moments happen when you least expect it as you find yourself absorbed in the investigation.

This is a very character driven movie. As a result, we do spend a lot of time getting to know the members of the town, often when they're alone. There's some excellent scenes that give us insight into how they're feeling while at their homes, or during nightmare sequences.

It's easy to feel sympathy for the characters but also frustration as well. Each character feels very well-rounded. This troubled town is full of very different personalities and they all shine through here.

The town of Maybrook becomes scarier thanks to the eerie score, composed by Cregger alongside his two friends, brothers Ryan and Hays Holladay. This was Cregger's first time composing for one of his own movie's and he's done a brilliant job.

For me, Weapons is a masterpiece but I know some fans might not like the non-linear pacing, as it can feel slow at times when the tension is building. But if you like character-driven horrors that build to a shocking reveal, you're going to love this.

In the trailer, the child narrator teases that “a lot of people die in a lot of weird ways in this story" and that's very true. To find out how, exactly, you'll have to be brave and go and watch it when it arrives in theaters on August 8 in the US and UK, and August 7 in Australia.

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McAfee is undoubtedly one of the most popular antivirus providers in the world. The McAfee Total Protection suite, for instance, has been a mainstay in the world of digital security for years. While it still offers solid device security and antivirus, McAfee shifted gears and expanded its offerings by releasing a completely new line of products referred to as McAfee+.

Despite Total Protection still being available (and the fact that there’s some overlap between its features), the new iteration takes a different approach. Primarily, it adds a larger emphasis on advanced safeguards like identity protection and parental controls.

So, choosing such a solution can often seem overwhelming and daunting. That is why we’ll carefully guide you along, outlining the features starting from the cheapest McAfee Essential plan all the way to the flagship Ultimate plan, hopefully helping you find something that works for your needs and budget.

(Image credit: Future)McAfee: Plans and Pricing

The entry-level plan provides a decent foundation for individuals and small families. It supports up to five devices on a single subscription and provides the basic tools like a VPN and core identity protection services. The price is generous, starting at $39.99.

The first plan with the plus moniker is McAfee+ Premium, starting at just $49.99/year ($69.99/year for the family plan. You can view this tier as a small upgrade from the Essential, as it’s identical, save for unlimited device support. Do note that although you’ll receive a basic online account and personal data scans and identity alerts (just as with the low-tier version), you won’t receive any identity theft protection. Opting for the family plan provides you access to parental controls and supports two adults and up to four children.

Up the ladder, McAfee+ Premium introduces identity theft restoration, helping recover your identity if you fall victim to identity theft, while also offering credit monitoring. Pricing starts at $89.99/year or $119.99/year if you go for the family plan, which covers the same number of individuals as the Premium.

The most comprehensive option is McAfee+ Advanced. Costing $199.99/year for a single individual and $249.99/year for the family plan, it unlocks full service for online accounts and personal cleanup. Moreover, it supports credit lock and allows credit monitoring with three major credit bureaus.

Note that all the pricing applies to the first year of subscription. Renewal will drastically bump up the pricing - $119.99 for Essential, $149.99 for Premium, $199.99 for Advanced, and $279.99 for Ultimate. Despite Total Protection still being available (and the fact that there’s some overlap between its features), the new iteration takes a different approach. Primarily, it adds a larger emphasis on advanced safeguards like identity protection and parental controls.

So, choosing such a solution can often seem overwhelming and daunting. That is why we’ll carefully guide you along, outlining the features starting from the cheapest McAfee Essential plan all the way to the flagship Ultimate plan, hopefully helping you find something that works for your needs and budget.

Compare McAfee subscriptions

McAfee Essential

McAfee+ Premium

McAfee+ Advanced

McAfee+ Ultimate

Operating system:

Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux

Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux

Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux

Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux

Max devices:

Up to 5

Unlimited

Unlimited

Unlimited

Starting price:

$39.99/yr

$49.99/yr; Family plan $69.99/yr

$89.99/yr; Family plan $119.99/yr

$199.99/yr; Family plan $249.99/yr

Firewall:

✔️

✔️

✔️

✔️

Password manager:

✔️

✔️

✔️

✔️

File shredder:

✔️

✔️

✔️

✔️

VPN:

✔️

✔️

✔️

✔️

Account clean-up:

❌

Scans only

Scans only

Full service

Personal data clean-up:

❌

Scans only

Full service

Full service

Identity theft monitoring:

✔️

✔️

✔️

✔️

Identity restoration:

❌

❌

✔️

✔️

Credit monitoring:

❌

❌

1 bureau

3 bureau

Credit lock:

❌

❌

❌

✔️

The Core of McAfee Protection

Even McAfee’s cheapest plan will provide you with effective AV and web protection, meaning that the differences between entry-level subscriptions and the more expensive options are identity theft protection features and the number of devices supported.

Employing a multi-layered approach, McAfee combines real-time scanning, AI, and cloud technology to defend against known and evolving threats, and does a great job against malware, spyware, ransomware, and viruses.

Case in point: the latest tests by AV-Comparatives show that McAfee scored 99.6% in online detection rate, with the same score in online protection. However, it does lag behind the competition in terms of offline detection rate, scoring just 79.3%.

(Image credit: AV-Comparatives)

Another snag is that McAfee is trigger-happy, raising 15 false alarms during the evaluation by AV-Comparatives.

A security suite must offer robust protection without slowing down your device. In the past, McAfee struggled in this department, building up a reputation as a resource-intensive program. You’ll be happy to learn that the team improved the engine so much that it’s now the fastest AV in the world.

According to AV-Comparatives performance tests from April 2025, McAfee had an impact score of 2.6, which indicates that its impact on the device is minimal.

McAfee scores fairly well with the big testing labs right now. (Image credit: AV-Comparatives)McAfee Essential

McAfee Essential is a powerful antivirus in a small package. For example, the firewall is fairly capable, if a bit limited, as it only controls outbound traffic, leaving inbound connections to the native OS firewall. Similarly, the True Key Password Manager helps you create and sync passwords across devices. The only downside is that it’s restricted in terms of form-filling, since you can auto-fill login credentials.

All subscriptions (including this one) come with VPN access in the form of McAfee Safe Connect. Generally, the VPN is ok for the money you dish out, employing AES-256 encryption to keep your data safe, and somewhat surprisingly, comes with a no-logs policy.

It also includes some essential VPN functions like a kill switch, split-tunneling, and auto connection, along with a modest network of 50+ countries.

The addition of a VPN is nice, but it leaves plenty of things to be desired. At times, the performance tends to be poor, especially on distant servers, which eliminates it as a viable solution for streaming.

The biggest stain, though, is the fact that you can only use the full-featured VPN if you turn on auto-renewal. If you disable auto-renewal, McAfee will limit your monthly data to 500MB per month.

This is a common practice for McAfee and is stated in their terms of service. It's a way for the company to incentivize customers to remain subscribed and to protect them against a lapse in their security protection, but such a limitation is puzzling in 2025.

McAfee Essential also lets you dip your toes in identity theft protection, including basic identity monitoring to help you find your personal information online and on the dark web.

McAfee+ Premium

The first upgrade doesn’t introduce that much and is, for lack of a better term, only a slight improvement over the Essential tier. So, is there a reason to purchase the Premium?

It depends purely on your needs.

For an extra $10, you get support for unlimited devices, and more importantly, there is a Family version you can opt for that unlocks a powerful set of family controls (we’ll talk about these a bit later). Premium unlocks the online account scans feature, which tracks down unused online accounts and personal data scans that do well in finding your information on data broker sites.

That said, if you don’t require as broad a support and aren’t interested in parental controls, it’s likely better to stick with the entry-level tier.

McAfee+ Advanced

As a mid-tier subscription plan, McAfee+ Advanced is a convincing option. In addition to the protections and features found in the first two plans, it introduces a nifty system scan that tracks down any vulnerabilities and junk files on your computer.

While a fine addition, McAfee again doesn’t let you resolve the issues, meaning you’ll have to fix these problems on your own. Considering the ‘Advanced’ plan is relatively pricey, this limitation borders on lazy and certainly doesn’t reflect the ‘advanced’ part.

At a glance, it may seem that the plan doesn’t add all that much for an extra 40 bucks, but it may be worth it for the identity theft restoration services alone.

For starters, the service will provide access to a real-life fraud resolution specialist, who will, if things come to a head, assist you every step of the way. Furthermore, you’ll receive a Lost Wallet service, where these specialists cancel and replace all the documents on your behalf.

To top it all off, you’ll also receive Identity Theft Insurance, which covers any costs incurred by the identity theft, allowing you to receive up to $1 million in eligible expenses, such as legal fees, stolen funds, or lost wages.

McAfee+ Advanced bumps up your overall protection with credit monitoring. Although supporting only TransUnion, McAfee will send monthly reports and flag any suspicious transactions.

McAfee+ Ultimate

The jump in value between Advance and Ultimate is very impressive. This is most apparent when you take a look at the Personal Data Cleanup and Online Account Cleanup features. Limited in the mid-tier, here McAfee will not only identify problems but also automatically resolve them on your behalf.

Other than that, the Ultimate plan also supercharges the identity theft protection features.

In addition to everything in the previous plan, McAfee+ Ultimate introduces credit lock and expanded credit monitoring features. Credit monitoring support extends to Equifax and Experian, and you can also opt in to receive daily reports, in addition to monthly breakdowns.

Credit lock is particularly interesting, allowing you to “lock down” your credit card, thus stopping companies from obtaining a copy of your credit history without your permission.

Lastly, McAfee+ Ultimate adds another $1 million to the identity theft insurance.

McAfee+ Family plans

While all McAfee+ subscriptions provide unlimited protection, opting for one of the Family versions includes functions designed to keep you and your family safe.

Let’s start with the identity theft protections. Features from individual plans are identical to those found in the family-oriented packages, extending the protection to two adults and up to four children. Put differently, you can scrub your kids’ birthdates and other identifiable information, such as Social Security Numbers, from the web, thus protecting them from identity theft and any future credit issues.

Still, the tour de force in the family plans is the Safe Family parental control app, which provides parents with the ability to stay on top of their children’s browsing habits.

You can easily set time limits for devices and restrict usage during certain times. We also love the aptly-named Digital Time-out, which allows you to pause the internet connection on your children’s devices.

Safe Family also comes with website filtering options you can use to block access to sites according to available categories. The good news is that this filter works in both regular and incognito mode, and it’s impossible to bypass with a VPN. App blocking works pretty much the same, allowing you to block apps on a category basis (e.g., social media).

You also get a better insight into juniors’ browsing habits through detailed reports that outline which websites they’ve visited.

Finally, by leveraging GPS, Safe Family’s location tracker grants you the option to keep an eye on your children’s location on a live map and view their entire location history. This isn’t just a simple location tracker, though, as it also supports geofencing that enables you to receive notifications if your child leaves or enters designated locations.

McAfee Antivirus: Final Verdict

Differences in its product lineup (and their pricing) aside for a moment, going for McAfee is a safe choice. Not only is the underlying antivirus engine good at rooting out the nasty stuff, but even the entry-level subscription will provide you with plenty of useful security tools.

However, the said tools are either not well-implemented or suffer from a slew of limitations that make them nothing but a poor take on dedicated products. In addition, while basic identity theft features are certainly a welcome addition, only the pricier Advanced and Ultimate tiers make them fully worthwhile.

With all that in mind, if you don’t require extra bells and whistles and are looking to protect only a handful of devices, then the Essential plan provides quite a lot of bang for your buck. If you need a more capable solution and are willing to pay a premium price, other antivirus programs simply provide a better service, often at a more affordable price point.

We list the best cloud antivirus.

Light spoilers follow for Alien: Earth episodes 1 through 6.

Nearly 50 years have passed since Ridley Scott terrified audiences with 1979's Alien. In the decades since, the sci-fi horror movie has spawned its own film franchise, had crossovers with other big-name properties including Predator, Star Wars, and Marvel, and inspire countless numerous other scary extraterrestrial flicks.

It's only now, though, that the hair-raising property has made the facehugger-style leap to the small screen with Alien: Earth – and the good news is that it's been worth the wait. Armed with a near-perfect blend of nostalgia and contemporary long-form storytelling, Alien: Earth breeds a new kind of monstrous tale that made this Alien fan's chest burst with joy.

Man or machine

Wendy, a synthetic being known as a hybrid, is Alien: Earth's lead character (Image credit: FX Networks)

Set in the year 2120, Alien: Earth begins by telling us that the five megacorporations that rule the planet – Weyland-Yutani, Dynamic, Threshold, Lynch, and Prodigy – are in a race to unlock human immortality by any means necessary.

The last of that quintet is closest to achieving that aim. Led by the trillionaire tech wonderkid Boy Kavalier (Samuel Blenkin), Prodigy successfully transfers the consciousness of a child named Marcy into a synthetic body.

The resultant prototype is a Hybrid called Wendy (Sydney Chandler), whose supercomputer-like humanoid body is soon put to the test when the MSCSS Maginot, a deep-space research vessel owned by Weyland-Yutani, crash-lands on Prodigy City. Alongside five other Hybrids and their android mentor Kirsh (Timothy Olyphant), Wendy soon encounters numerous terrifying alien lifeforms who pose a significant threat to everyone on Earth.

Boy Kavalier, played with nefariously charming intent by Blenkin, is the Alien universe's newest love-to-hate character (Image credit: FX Network/Hulu/Disney+)

Timeline-wise, Alien: Earth takes place just two years before Alien, so it's not a surprise that episode 1's opening minutes capture the essence of the 1979 Scott-directed flick. Okay, it doesn't recreate Alien's own introductory sequence per se. But, whether it's the Maginot crew exiting cryosleep, the subsequent mess-hall scene, use of crossfades, and/or the inclusion of a ginger cat, Alien: Earth is a prequel that disregards other projects set before Alien, including Prometheus and Alien: Covenant, and evokes sentimentality for the original movie.

Alien: Earth evokes the spirit of its movie sibling from the get-go

That said, I found the opening 25 minutes to be quite messy. Sure, its weird pacing, jarring tonality, and artistic flair elicit a sense of suspense and dread, but its atmosphere and rhythm are frustratingly upended by superfluous quick cuts as the FX TV Original tries to find its footing.

Just when you think Alien: Earth is nothing more than nostalgia bait for Alien, though, a narrative switch is flipped that takes it in a completely different direction, and soon helps its story hit its stride.

Wendy joins the search and rescue operation in Prodigy City to find her biological brother Joe (left) (Image credit: FX Network/Hulu/Disney+)

Indeed, while the fearless albeit naive Wendy volunteers herself and her fellow Hybrids, aka The Lost Boys – these aren't the only narrative parallels to Peter Pan in Alien: Earth – to aid the Prodigy City search and rescue operation, she also does so in a bid to track down her biological brother Joe (Alex Lawther). Their familial dynamic is the beating heart of the entire show and, like Rain and Andy's surrogate sibling relationship in Alien: Romulus, it explores the emotional complexities of a bond between an artificial being and someone who's 100% human with aplomb.

I was completely absorbed by tête-à-têtes involving the super-companies

Alien: Earth also examines the uneasy truce between the Alien universe's multinational biotech powerhouses.

Until now, Weyland-Yutani is the only one of these profit-driven institutions we've really seen. Alien: Earth creator Noah Hawley's decision to place Prodigy front and center, then, is designed to place Weyland-Yutani on the back foot as it tries and fails to recover its incredibly dangerous extraterrestrial cargo, and positions them as an underdog to their fellow industry giant.

I was completely absorbed by tête-à-têtes involving the super-companies as the cocksure Kavalier runs rings around his peer at Yutani (Sandra Yi Sencindiver), and such meetings certainly put a novel spin on franchise lore – other parts of the Alien mythos are scrutinized and/or added to, but I won't spoil them here – that suggests Weyland-Yutani wasn't always the number one megacorp in the land.

It's a pity that Threshold, Lynch, and Dynamic are more conspicuous by their absence – although they could show up in this season's final two episodes, which I haven't seen yet. Their time might also come if Alien: Earth is renewed for another season – and if it is, I'd love to see how they stack up against their similarly power-hungry competitors.

Creature feature

Yes, the franchise's iconic Xenomorphs have a big part to play in the first Alien TV series (Image credit: FX Networks/Hulu)

Really, though, we're all here to see the franchise's famed Xenomorphs do what they do best: kill. Unlike Alien, which held back the Xenomorph's grand reveal to build tension, it doesn't take long for the nightmare-inducing endoparasitoid to appear in Alien: Earth, with the first Xenomorph surfacing very early on in its premiere to make light work of the Maginot's unfortunate crew.

Alien: Earth also introduces four new frightening creatures who add their own freakish flavor to proceedings

Alien: Earth also introduces four new frightening creatures – some, such as the highly-intelligent organism referred to as The Eye, get more to do than others – from the far-flung corners of the universe who were first teased in Alien: Earth's official trailer, and who add their own freakish flavor to proceedings.

Indeed, after they're transported from the New Prodigy crash site to Kavalier's secret research center called Neverland (I warned you that the Peter Pan references weren't done) they soon become the focus of Prodigy's immoral founder at the expense of his Hybrid program. In that sense, Alien: Earth reminded me of Jurassic Park – i.e., a reckless CEO and his mostly loyal band of scientists experimenting (read: playing God) on dangerous creatures at a remote location.

The parasitic lifeform known as The Eye, seen in the sheep's left eye socket, is my new favorite bioweapon in the Alien franchise (Image credit: FX Networks)

It's from this point on that the relative stillness of the sci-fi drama that punctuates Wendy's side of the story is slowly and purposefully countered by the increasing sense of dread of the aliens eventually breaking out of confinement. It's a smoldering powder-keg that threatens to explode at any moment, and I was on tenterhooks waiting for things to go horribly wrong. For a property steeped in hyperviolence, Alien: Earth builds up more than enough tension to fill the vastness of space, but it eventually releases the pressure valve in typically – and delightfully – brutal and gory fashion as its huge ensemble becomes canon fodder for the deadly quintet.

Alien: Earth's life-threatening, otherworldly beings aren't the only monsters who populate its story. Whether it's the heinous Kavalier, or the show's android contingent, including Kirsh and Weyland-Yutani cyborg Morrow (Babou Ceesay) who operate in the morally gray, it's full of human characters and artificial creations alike who are as sinister, clever, uncompromising, and/or unsympathetic as the bioweapons they experiment on – or, in Morrow's case, want to recover for his employer.

Some creatures, such as this sundew-esque specimen, are underused in Alien: Earth's first six chapters (Image credit: FX Networks)

It's ethically minded people, such as Prodigy scientist Arthur Sylvia (David Rysdahl), plus Wendy and The Lost Boys – Slightly (Adarsh Gourav), Smee (Jonathan Ajayi), Curly (Erana James), Nibs (Lily Newmark),and Tootles (Kit Young) – who are predictably caught in the crossfire of the series' corporate bureaucracy, morally corrupt individuals, and lethal lifeforms. The slow unraveling of Prodigy's artificially constructed family, which also includes Arthur's fellow researcher and wife Dame Sylvia (Essie Davis), is an engrossing car crash that I couldn't look away from, and I'm desperate to see how things continue to implode in this season's final two episodes.

The slow unraveling of Prodigy's artificially constructed family is an engrossing car crash I couldn't look away from

I hope there are more interactions, albeit belated ones, between Alien: Earth's Hybrids in chapters 7 and 8, and/or in future seasons, too. With so many subplots and specific dynamics to dedicate time to, it doesn't leave much room to explore the relationships between these artificial kidults. Some of Alien: Earth's most nuanced moments involve sequences where their camaraderie and conflicting perspectives are on full view, so I'm keen to see more moving forward – that is, as long as they survive this season's finale.

My verdict

Alien: Earth is a facehugging delight. Like Alien: Romulus, it confidently re-energizes the fan-favorite property with a well-cast and well-crafted dystopian story that pleasingly meters out its mix of sci-fi horror, psychological thriller, action, drama, and even disaster elements without one or more of its genres suffocating the others.

With a reportedly sizeable production budget, it's a stylish slice of prestige television that carves out its own space and identity while staying true to what's come before. I'd even go so far as to suggest that it grants some Alien fans' long-held wishes by combining the best bits of the '79 original and its more action-oriented '86 sequel Aliens, too.

Sure, it's not without its issues. Its narrative occasionally drags around the show's midpoint, and some characters aren't as fully formed as they could be. I'm also going to slightly contradict what I said earlier about Alien: Earth's penchant for nostalgia bait, because its fifth episode – a Morrow-fronted whodunit-style flashback entry that provides context about the Maginot's eventual crash – is arguably my favorite entry of the six I saw.

Overall, though, Alien: Earth fully deserves a spot in our best Hulu shows and best Disney+ shows guides – and I'll scream that from the rooftops so everyone can hear me.

Alien: Earth will launch with a two-episode premiere on Tuesday, August 12 on Hulu (US) and Wednesday, August 13 on Disney+ (internationally). New episodes air weekly.

Tixati is one of the popular torrent clients to embrace a minimalist design, and it is quite light on system resources as well, which is another plus point here.

Tixati is entirely free, and also advert-free, yet it still boasts several advanced features that should help with getting the best possible download speeds. It is available to download on all popular operating systems, excluding macOS.

Windows 10 is supported, plus Windows 8, 7, Vista, and XP, with users able to install the 32-bit or 64-bit versions directly from the website. Tixati also supports most Linux distros like Fedora, RHEL, Ubuntu, Mint, Mandriva, and more.

The client has been getting regular monthly updates, and the latest version of Tixati (2.73) was released in April 2020. Tixati is not available on any mobile platforms currently.

(Image credit: Tixati)Features 

Tixati lets users manage downloads by allowing them to limit the bandwidth used and even filter the IP addresses. The client offers the ability to schedule tasks and subscribe to the RSS feeds of your favorite websites.

(Image credit: Tixati)

Tixati's user interface may appear to be a little outdated in terms of design. However, Tixati offers tooltips and pop-ups, and the setup process is a breeze.

If you’re switching from any other torrent client, Tixati may feel slightly different initially because its layout is rather distinct. While most torrent clients come with a left-aligned menu, Tixati has all the tabs aligned along the top. Further note that Tixati offers an option to tweak the interface slightly based on your preferences.

The sheer number of customization options that Tixati offers makes it one of the favored clients among pro users. It provides access to a complete set of low-level details regarding swarms, and that is one of the reasons that makes it stand apart from the competition.

The Tixati client provides access to a comprehensive help and support section. This helps users in addressing any issues they may face with the torrent client. There are plenty of troubleshooting tips, help guides, and additional useful hints that can aid in minimizing any downtime.

Additionally, the highly active community forum can help address almost any issue the users may be facing. The community is quite lively and provides real-time support and quick solutions.

(Image credit: Tixati)Security

Tixati is a closed source platform. While that means it lacks the transparency of open source torrent clients, which can have their code examined by anyone, there’s no particular need to worry about the security of Tixati, at least not going by VirusTotal, which registered zero threats after scanning the installer file (at the time of writing).

Note that Tixati offers increased security for users via support for forced RC4 encryption and a SOCKS5 proxy, and it is always advisable to hide your IP address, which is otherwise broadly visible. We have an exhaustive guide to the best VPN for torrenting and torrents.

Piracy 

While torrents allow users to download their favorite content off the internet, and torrent clients make the process easier, remember that there is, of course, copyrighted material online, and downloading that is breaking the law. Of course, TechRadar does not support or endorse piracy or illegal downloads.

(Image credit: Tixati)Final verdict 

While Tixati has a rather different layout and look for its interface, the overall performance of this client is very satisfactory. The high degree of customization available, ad-free interface, and regular updates are a few major plus points that make Tixati a must-try torrent client.

• Have a look at the best free torrent client

Transmission is one of the most widely-used cross-platform torrent clients. It has numerous features and is compatible with the most popular desktop operating systems.

Transmission is a torrenting app known for its intuitive interface and widespread compatibility. It’s easy to understand even for non-technical users. Its free and open-source nature makes it a popular choice for people seeking to download content.

We’re reviewing Transmission to help you decide whether it’s a good choice. We’ll dive into its features, security, ease of use, and other crucial factors.

Transmission: Version and platforms

Transmission is widely compatible. It can be downloaded on macOS, Windows, Linux, and Unix. It’s also compatible with numerous Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, Mint, OpenSUSE, Raspberry Pi, and CentOS.

The extensive PC compatibility makes Transmission a top choice for geeks running atypical operating systems. If macOS and Windows aren’t your thing, you can still download Transmission on many other operating systems.

The drawback is that Transmission lacks an Android mobile app, unlike many rival tools.

(Image credit: Future)Transmission: Features

Transmission is a torrenting app mainly used to download content. The process is simple: First, you download a torrent from an external source. Then, you launch the torrent on Transmission to begin the download.

There is no built-in search engine for directly finding torrents, which we consider a drawback. Users must download the torrents from external sites before launching them on Transmission.

After downloading a file, you become a “seeder,” uploading it to the torrenting network for other users. Transmission depends on seeders to provide fast download speeds for all users.

You can limit the speed at which you seed (upload) files for other users; this limit helps conserve bandwidth. You can also set a maximum speed for your downloads.

We observed fast download speeds when using Transmission. However, your speed can vary depending on how many seeders are available for the torrent you download. The higher the number of seeders, the faster the download speed. The fewer the seeders, the slower the download speed.

You can monitor your downloads from a user-friendly dashboard. This dashboard shows the progress of current downloads and the list of all previous downloads. You can pause or cancel a download that’s still in progress.

Transmission uses less memory than most torrenting apps we’ve tested. Some torrenting apps are memory hogs, slowing down other programs because of their excessive consumption. In contrast, Transmission has a lightweight structure that keeps your PC at its optimal performance when downloading content. It doesn’t interfere with the performance of other apps.

Transmission has a collection of add-ons that provide complementary features. You can download these add-ons from Transmission’s official website. For instance, you can download add-ons that let you control Transmission remotely from a smartphone.

(Image credit: Future)

With a remote control add-on, you can pause, resume or delete torrent downloads from your smartphone. You can filter torrent lists, download new torrents, and receive notifications about completed downloads.

You can also download an add-on to control Transmission from your browser instead of the standalone app. With this add-on, you can manage and monitor all torrents from your browser instead of constantly juggling your browser and the standalone Transmission app.

Being free and open-source are major reasons for choosing Transmission. Users can examine the code and certify that Transmission isn’t engaging in schemes like malware and adware to generate revenue. Transmission is a free tool maintained by a global network of volunteer developers, so there’s no incentive to cut corners to make money.

Some torrenting apps are infamous for bundling flash ads, pop ads, and tracking users to harvest data for money. Transmission doesn’t have these issues. It provides sophisticated torrenting features for free.

Transmission: Interface and in-use

Transmission is more user-friendly than most rival torrenting apps. Notably, the desktop app incorporates unique interfaces for each operating system.

For instance, the macOS app has the sleek, simple interface Apple is known for. The Windows app has a modernized interface that makes using it easy. The Linux apps follow the recommended GNOME human interface guidelines.

Thanks to its extensive developer network, Transmission features customized interfaces for different operating systems. The app incorporates minimalistic design with features neatly arranged at the top and configurations at the bottom. The icons are self-explanatory, making it easy to find different features. Any layperson can quickly get acquainted with Transmission’s interface and download content.

Transmission: Security and privacy

Torrenting clients are generally secure but have risks. For instance, open-source torrenting apps often receive unofficial builds from malicious developers who use them to introduce malware. Transmission has experienced this issue but quickly blocked malicious builds.

Transmission has security features to prevent your torrenting activities from leaking to third-parties. For instance, you can block specific IP addresses from sharing files with your PC, which are usually IPs known for sharing malicious files.

For further security, you should switch on a VPN before downloading torrents. VPNs encrypt your traffic by routing it through remote servers. This encryption prevents third-parties from snooping on your torrenting activities.

Despite Transmission’s advanced security features and the additional use of a VPN, no torrenting app is 100% secure. Motivated actors can exploit flaws to snoop on users’ torrenting activities. Hence, avoid using Transmission for illegal activities. TechRadar doesn’t endorse piracy.

Transmission: Final Verdict

Transmission is an excellent choice if you need a simple yet sophisticated torrenting client. It has some drawbacks, such as a lack of a built-in search engine, but its advanced features, impressive download speeds, and other pros outweigh the cons.

We list the best free torrent client.

GoDaddy's new AI website builder combines a section-based editor with a suite of small business tools to create a powerful package. During our GoDaddy website builder review, we found it to be a straightforward solution that could offer great value for budding organizations.

Our team of experts have spent thousands of hours testing 140+ website builders, giving us deep insight into what makes each platform work for different users. If you're looking at different options, we recommend checking out our guide to the best website builders, where you'll find alternatives that might better suit more specific needs.

In this guide, we cover everything you need to know when deciding if the GoDaddy website builder is right for you.

GoDaddy Website Builder: 2-minute review

During our time with GoDaddy's new website builder, we found it very easy to create a functional website. It stands out for its simplicity. You can launch a website in less than an hour with its section-based editor. This is much faster than the days or weeks that other builders may require.

GoDaddy focuses on business needs. It includes strong marketing tools and built-in ecommerce features. We liked the AI-powered content creation tools that generate text and suggest designs based on your business type.

However, this simplicity has a downside. There are fewer customization options than competitors like Wix or Squarespace. This may limit creative freedom for users who care about design.

But while it lacks the design flexibility of Wix or the advanced ecommerce features of Shopify, GoDaddy offers a very balanced solution. It prioritizes ease of use and good performance. For those new to website builders, GoDaddy's approach feels more streamlined than most competitors.

What is GoDaddy website builder?

GoDaddy Website Builder is a relatively new no-code platform launched in 2017. Simply put, it lets beginners create websites without coding skills. Think of it as a digital toolbox. You can build a professional-looking website by dragging and dropping elements, kind of like Legos.

Begin by choosing a template that fits your needs. Afterwards, you can customize the template by adding your own text, images, and other content to make it unique. The platform takes care of all the technical details behind the scenes. Apart from coding, it also handles hosting, security, and mobile responsiveness.

Along with the website builder, GoDaddy offers a number of additional tools to grow your online presence. It includes SEO features to help people find your site. You can also integrate social media to connect with your audience. AI tools help create content and suggest designs. Finally, analytics dashboards track how visitors interact with your site.

Features

GoDaddy's drag-and-drop editor makes it easy to build a simple, but attractive website. (Image credit: GoDaddy)

GoDaddy packs a punch with features tailored for small business success, including blogs, image galleries, video and music embedding, Google Maps integration, contact forms, promo banners, and call-to-action buttons. While looking at GoDaddy’s dashboard, you'll see blog tools for simple content planning.

AI is also integrated across the platform, with a full website builder (Airo) and other dedicated tools such as AI-powered content generation that helps users create unique custom copy for their websites.

However, lacking an app market will limit access to specialized tools or plugins. As we delve into GoDaddy's features, we'll look at their functionality, flexibility, and user-friendliness, while supplying insider tips to craft your perfect website.

Tools

Airo is a powerful tool for small businesses looking to launch and grow online. (Image credit: GoDaddy)

GoDaddy Airo

We recently got our hands on GoDaddy Airo, the company's new website builder and small business toolkit.

Airo features one of the best AI website builders in the market. It simplifies the entire website creation process by using AI to tailor a fully functional website based on your business particulars.

Airo also features a number of other tools that offer a ton of value for small businesses looking for an all-in-one digital marketing solution.

Start by picking a desired domain, inputting some information about your business and then let the AI do the rest for you. From logo designs and social media handles to email marketing campaigns and product descriptions, Airo effortlessly takes care of everything.

Section-based editor

Our journey with GoDaddy’s section-based editor has been nothing short of seamless. It offers intuitive, user-friendly customization options that empower you to bring your website vision to life. From setting up private pages to enabling appointment booking and integrating WhatsApp chat buttons and external reviews, GoDaddy's editor offers enough features to elevate your site's functionality and enhance user engagement.

Navigating the editor interface is a breeze. The central dashboard makes managing your site a cinch and the controls for adding and editing page sections are intuitive. While we do wish for an “undo” function, the overall editing experience is smooth and efficient, catering to users of all experience levels.

Recently, GoDaddy added a ton of editor shortcuts for quick access. These shortcuts help Editors quickly and easily add features such as online stores and access essential marketing tools, streamlining the website building process. Also, having a mobile app means you can edit your site on the go, adding flexibility and convenience to the customization process.

Template library

We've so far discovered a collection of over 100 mobile-responsive design templates with GoDaddy, tailored to various industries such as restaurants, online stores, portfolios, and more.

Each template was meticulously crafted to ensure compatibility across all devices — be it desktops, tablets, or smartphones. We appreciated the ability to preview our designs across different platforms during the editing process, ensuring our site looks stunning regardless of the screen size.

While all GoDaddy templates may lean towards a more standardized appearance, we found enough customization options within the visual editor. Recent updates have increased these customization choices, but it still doesn't quite rival competitors like Wix or Webflow.

Ecommerce

GoDaddy’s ecommerce plan (unsurprisingly called “Ecommerce”), provides a comprehensive suite of ecommerce tools tailored to meet the needs of businesses looking to sell products online. You can showcase and sell up to 5,000 products (a combination of physical and digital goods) to your customers, manage shipping logistics, and securely process payments — all from one convenient platform.

Additionally, GoDaddy offers abandoned cart recovery functionality, helping you recapture potentially lost sales by re-engaging customers who have abandoned their shopping carts before completing their purchases. To help limit friction in the buying process, GoDaddy also provides a 1-page checkout format. This makes things a lot more efficient for online shoppers and helps reduce abandoned carts.

Accepting payments is made simple with GoDaddy's ecommerce plan, as it supports popular payment methods such as PayPal, Google Pay, and Apple Pay. Moreover, you have the flexibility to offer promotions and discounts to incentivize purchases, as well as choose from a range of free and paid shipping options.

Integrations

With GoDaddy, you can easily link your site to popular social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and beyond.

Beyond social media, GoDaddy offers a small selection of superb built-in integrations that can enhance your site's functionality. From restaurant reservations through OpenTable to online food orders via ChowNow, these integrations cater to specific business needs without the hassle of dealing with third-party providers.

Additionally, GoDaddy provides a streamlined dashboard for managing integrations with major online marketplaces like Amazon, Myntra, and Flipkart, making it easier to establish your brand on multiple platforms.

However, we should note that there's no app marketplace with hundreds of integrations to choose from like with Wix or Squarespace. Also, GoDaddy does not let you design your own integrations using an open-access API.

Analytics

Understanding how well your website is performing and gaining insights into your online presence is crucial for your business journey — it's a bit like having a compass. Fortunately, GoDaddy offers integration with tools like Google Analytics, which provides detailed insights into your website traffic and user behavior. Additionally, you can leverage Meta Pixel and Facebook Meta tags integration to optimize your site for Facebook advertising and tracking.

GoDaddy's analytics tool, InSight, became our go-to companion on this journey. This intelligent tool, powered by AI, not only tracks your website's performance but also offers personalized advice to help you navigate the ever-changing online landscape. The search engine visibility tool will guide you through optimizing your site's keywords and meta descriptions to climb up the search engine rankings ladder.

Depending on the plan you opt for, you can also gain access to goodies like free business email, social media platform listings, and even free ad credits for platforms like Google and Yelp.

Other tools

GoDaddy lets you create either a simple coming-soon page or a full-fledged website with suggested layouts, AI-written text, and stock images. And with Airo's professional email setup, establishing a professional image is a cinch as it enables you to create a custom email address that reflects your brand identity. Also, Airo provides personalized suggestions for social media handles based on your domain name, ensuring consistency across all your online platforms.

By analyzing uploaded product photos, Airo creates descriptions that highlight the unique features and benefits of your products or services. Moreover, businesses can leverage GoDaddy's partnership with ZenBusiness to register for a free LLC, offering peace of mind and legal assurance.

Ease of use

Editing templates is easy on the GoDaddy website builder. (Image credit: GoDaddy)

GoDaddy website builder is one of the easiest experiences in website building. The interface is clean and simple, using a section-based editor instead of overwhelming users with many design options. During our tests, we created a basic website in under an hour.

Onboarding is quick. GoDaddy asks new users about their business type and goals. Then, it uses AI to create a partially completed website with relevant sections and placeholder content. This reduces the "blank canvas paralysis" that beginners often face with other platforms. The editing experience is straightforward, allowing users to work with entire sections rather than individual elements. This setup makes it hard to "break" your design.

Navigation is intuitive, with clearly labeled menus. The editing experience is consistent across different page types. We particularly liked the mobile editor. It lets users adjust how their site looks on smartphones without needing a separate mobile version. The platform also offers accessibility features, like automatic alt text suggestions for images and contrast checks. These ensure the site is usable for people with disabilities.

GoDaddy's design philosophy, shared by their product team, emphasizes "guided freedom." This means users get creative control to make their site unique but with guardrails to prevent mistakes. This is clear in how the platform manages typography and color schemes, providing curated combinations instead of endless choices. While design purists might see this as limiting, it helps beginners create visually appealing websites.

But, there's no undo history or version control with GoDaddy. You can't easily revert to previous site versions if you make unwanted changes. Also, the template selection, while diverse enough for most users, doesn't match the thousands offered by competitors like Wix or WordPress.

Pricing

GoDaddy offers just three plans for its website builder, making it easy to decide which one is right for you. (Image credit: GoDaddy)

Plan

/mo (paid monthly)

Intro rate /mo (paid every 1-3 years)

Renewal rate /mo (paid every 1-3 years)

Basic

$16.99

$9.99

$16.99

Premium

$29.99

$14.99

$29.99

Commerce

$34.99

$20.99

$34.99

Pricing and plans explained

GoDaddy Website Builder has a tiered pricing system to fit different needs and budgets. It offers four premium plans: Basic, Premium, Commerce, and Commerce Plus. Each plan has more features than the last. You can also use GoDaddy for free.

GoDaddy's free plan is a great option for those looking to get online without cost. Like all of the best free website builders, this plan comes with limitations. Most notable on GoDaddy’s is the inability to connect a custom domain to your website and the permanent inclusion of ‘Powered by GoDaddy’ on your website.

During our research, we found the Basic plan starts at about $9.99/month with annual billing. It includes essential tools but lacks key features, like connecting a custom domain without GoDaddy branding. The Premium plan, around $14.99/month with annual billing, offers the best value for small businesses. It adds SEO tools, social media integration, and email marketing.

For online selling, the Commerce plan starts at about $20.99/month. It includes vital e-commerce features like payment processing, product listings, and inventory management.

GoDaddy often has promotions that provide significant discounts for the first year. However, renewal rates are much higher. Compared to competitors, GoDaddy is mid-range. It’s cheaper than Squarespace but slightly more expensive than Wix for similar features. A plus is that all plans include hosting and SSL certificates, avoiding hidden costs that some competitors charge.

A downside is that GoDaddy doesn’t offer a free plan—only a one-month free trial. Also, some advanced features that other builders include as standard require upgrades to higher-tier plans. Overall, while not the cheapest option, GoDaddy Website Builder offers good value for its ease of use and business-focused features.

Security

GoDaddy prioritizes website security with strong features for all Website Builder plans. (Image credit: GoDaddy)

GoDaddy prioritizes website security with strong features for all Website Builder plans. Each site gets an SSL Certificate, which enables HTTPS encryption. This shows visitors a padlock icon in their browser and builds trust. This measure protects data between visitors and your site and helps improve search engine rankings.

The platform also offers a Web Application Firewall (WAF). This tool intercepts incoming data and blocks harmful code from hackers. Higher-tier plans add more security features, like daily malware scans, constant monitoring with alerts, and automatic backups with one-click restore. These measures work well for most small businesses, but users handling sensitive customer data might consider extra third-party security solutions for better protection.

Customer support

GoDaddy is renowned for offering excellent support. (Image credit: GoDaddy)

Help and support are cornerstones of GoDaddy's service, with the company known for its comprehensive customer support. No matter the time of day, you can access support through multiple channels, including phone, email, and live chat. This round-the-clock availability ensures that issues or concerns can be promptly addressed, providing peace of mind.

We have reviewed over 140 of the best website builders and hosting platforms. Out of these, very few still offer phone support, making GoDaddy stand out from the crowd in this regard. If you want to be able to pick up the phone and talk to a human when you are having issues with your website, GoDaddy is definitely worth considering.

Alongside direct support, GoDaddy's site offers a range of self-help resources, allowing users to solve problems on their own. These include a robust knowledge base filled with articles, tutorials, and FAQs, offering detailed guidance on common concerns.

For those seeking more personalized assistance, GoDaddy offers specialist support and access to courses, webinars, and podcasts, further enhancing the support experience. However, despite its comprehensive support system, GoDaddy would benefit from a clearer organization of its resources. We've struggled to locate specific features and information within GoDaddy's knowledge center, pointing to areas where user experience could be a bit better.

Alternatives

While GoDaddy offers a solid range of customization features with its AI site builder, more advanced users might find these options limited compared to other platforms like Wix or Weebly. Increased flexibility in design elements and layout customization could enhance the builder's appeal to a more demanding audience.

In terms of alternatives, Wix distinguishes itself with superior features and flexibility. It offers a wide array of customization options and boasts an extensive app market, making it an excellent choice for aspiring online business owners seeking advanced functionality.

On the other hand, Weebly stands out as one of the best free website builders, offering exceptional value for money. Its free tier includes essential features such as an SSL certificate and SEO tools, which makes it an enticing option for budget-conscious users.

How we tested GoDaddy website builder

To test GoDaddy Website Builder, we created an account and explored the interface. We checked out the template library, tried the AI content creation tools, and used the section-based editor.

We built test pages to see customization options, mobile responsiveness, and the user experience for different technical skill levels. We also examined the SEO tools, social media integration, and e-commerce features to gauge the value offered. Finally, we analyzed their pricing structure across all plans.

Next, we looked into GoDaddy's security features like SSL, firewall protection, and malware scanning. We tested customer support options, including response times and knowledge base resources. This helped us understand what GoDaddy provides as a complete website-building solution.

You can learn more about how we test website builders with our full guide.

GoDaddy website builder review: Summary

To sum it up, GoDaddy website builder is a user-friendly platform with AI-powered tools, making it one of the best small business website builders and an ideal option for rapid website creation. However, its limitations in customization and lack of an app market may deter more advanced users.

So, if you're seeking a simple and affordable solution, GoDaddy is worth considering, especially with its one-month free trial. However, if you have more complex needs, alternatives like Wix and Weebly offer superior features and flexibility. In either case, weigh the pros and cons carefully before deciding whether GoDaddy is the right choice for building your online presence.

GoDaddy website builder review: FAQsWhat is a website builder and why should I use GoDaddy's?

A website builder is a no-code tool that lets you create a website without coding or design skills. GoDaddy Website Builder is very easy to use, with a beginner-friendly interface and guided editing experience.

We found GoDaddy especially useful for small business owners who need to set up an online presence quickly. The platform has AI tools that generate content and design elements based on your business type. You can build a fully-functional business website in less than one hour.

Do I get a free domain with GoDaddy website builder?

No. Although you can get a free domain for one year through GoDaddy with some hosting plans, unlike Wix, Squarespace, and Hostinger, GoDaddy does not offer a free domain with its website builder plans.

However, all of GoDaddy’s paid website builder plans do allow you to connect a custom domain to your website. You can buy your domain through GoDaddy or pick from one of the other top domain registrars to find the best deal on your domain of choice.

How secure is GoDaddy website builder for my business and customers?

GoDaddy offers strong protection across all website builder plans. Each site built on the platform comes with an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate. HTTPS encryptions and Web Application Firewalls (WAF) are also offered as standard.

If you're building an ecommerce store, GoDaddy has built-in integrations with popular payment methods like PayPal and Apple Pay, which have their own financial data protection and fraud prevention tools. So yes, GoDaddy's website builder is sufficiently secure for most users.

Does GoDaddy website builder have SEO tools?

GoDaddy offers an SEO wizard that will help you tick all the important boxes when it comes to getting your site on search engine result pages. This includes keyword recommendations, AI meta titles and descriptions, and SEO tasks suggestions.

Can I create an ecommerce website with GoDaddy website builder?

Yes, GoDaddy includes strong ecommerce features in its Commerce plan. It gives you all the tools to set up and manage an online store. You can list up to 5,000 products, both physical and digital. It lets you manage inventory, set shipping options, and process secure payments. All of these features are integrated into the same platform you use to build your website.

Final Audio ZE3000 SV: Two-minute review

The Final Audio ZE3000 SV arrive in a very competitive sector of the best budget earbud market equipped to compete. A combination of app and touch control, very decent battery life, some swanky new 10mm dynamic drivers (that word in conjunction with a port to keep pressure levels within the earbuds acceptable), and a light, comfortable design all bode very well.

Then you realize the app and the touch controls don’t really do as much as you’d like. And that Final Audio has deliberately tuned the active noise-cancellation to impact as little as possible on sound quality rather than to impact as much as possible on external sounds. As a result, you start to wonder if perhaps spending $99 on a pair of ZE3000 SV might not be as good an idea as spending it on, say, a pair of Sony’s excellent WF-C710N.

Fortunately, the Final Audio reassert themselves, to an extent, when it comes to audio performance. No, the ZE3000 SV aren’t the most exciting listen you’ve ever experienced, and for some people this lack of audio energy will be enough to rule them out of the best earbuds race, irrespective of budget. But they are balanced, detailed, fairly dynamic and very revealing of the minutiae of a recording. Their midrange reproduction, in particular, is naturalistic and convincing, while low-frequency presence is impressive too. Or, at least, it is provided you’ve made sure the earbuds fit just so.

Final Audio ZE3000 SV review: Price and release date

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

• Released on February 27, 2025
• Priced $99 / £89 / AU$169

The Final Audio ZE3000 SV have been on sale since the very end of February this year, and in every territory in which they’re on sale, they’re aggressively priced. That’s not the same as saying they have a clear shot, of course – very similar money to this buys well-regarded alternatives from the likes of JBL, Nothing and Sony, to name just three…

Final Audio ZE3000 SV review: Specs

Type

True wireless in-ear

Drivers

10mm ‘F-Core SV’ dynamic

Active noise cancellation

Yes

Battery life

7 hours (earbuds, ANC on), 28 hours (including charging case)

Weight

4g per bud

Frequency response

20Hz - 20kHz

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.3 (SBC, AAC, LDAC)

Waterproofing

IPX4

Control

Touch; app

Final Audio ZE3000 SV review: Features

• 10mm ‘F-Core’ SV dynamic drivers
• Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC, AAC and LDAC codec compatibility
• 28 hours of battery life (including charging case) with ANC on

The Final Audio ZE3000 SV use Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connectivity, and have multipoint connectivity if you need to connect them to two devices at once. They’re compatible with the LDAC codec as well as the bog-standard SBC and AAC alternatives, so an appropriate source player will be able to stream at half-decent quality.

Once audio information is on board, it’s delivered to your ears by a couple of newly developed 10mm ‘F-Core SV’ dynamic drivers. Final Audio is claiming a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz from this new design, and they work in conjunction with ‘F-Link’ port technology in an effort to optimize acoustic pressure within the body of the earbud.

Active noise-cancellation is a four-stage system: ‘off’, ‘on’, ‘wind-cut’ and ‘ambient sound’. With ANC on, you can expect around seven hours of action from the earbuds, and there are a further three full charges stored in the case. Ten minutes charging via the case’s USB-C slot should be good for around an hour's listening.

You can use the capacitive touch surface on the left earbud to toggle between ‘on’ and ‘ambient sound’. The left earbud also takes care of ‘skip backwards’ and ‘volume down’, while the right earbud is in charge of ‘play/pause’, ‘skip forwards’ and ‘volume up’.

The Final Connect control app is similarly brief – there are no playback controls here, and no ability to embed a streaming service. All you get, in fact, is the ability to check for firmware updates, an indication of remaining battery life, full ANC control, and access to a seven-band equaliser with storage space for one custom setting. You can also switch ‘gaming mode’ on or off. Final reckons latency is down below 60m/s when it’s engaged.

• Features score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Final Audio ZE3000 SV review: Sound quality

• Balanced, detailed and quite direct sound
• Decent dynamism and good low-end presence…
• Provided you’ve got the fit just right

Some earbuds at the more affordable end of the market like to make things as exciting as possible, a sort of sonic grabbing by the lapels that seems designed to make you ignore their shortcomings in favor of marveling at their vigor. The Final Audio ZE3000 SV are not those earbuds.

They have plenty going for them in terms of sound quality, of course. A listen to Ty Segall’s version of Hot Chocolate’s Every 1’s a Winner reveals them to be a nicely balanced and quite informative listen, able to extract and present even quite fine details buried in the mix. They control their low frequency presence well, so bass sounds hit respectably hard but don’t overstay their welcome or drag at the rhythm. The midrange is open and natural-sounding, so voices get to reveal a lot of their character as well as their tone. And the top of the frequency range is, again, open and detailed, and has just about enough substance to balance out its shine – there’s a reasonable amount of crispness to the way the earbuds attack treble sounds, even if they’re just slightly rolled off in absolute terms.

Frequency integration is smooth, and the tonal balance is quite neutral too. There’s a decent amount of dynamism on display too, both where the big shifts in volume and the more subtle harmonic variations are concerned. And the ZE3000 SV can lay out a soundstage in a clear and easy-to-understand manner, keeping plenty of elbow room between every competing element of a recording but at the same time delivering it as a whole.

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

All the above depends very much on your achieving a correct fit with the earbuds, though. Every true wireless or wired in-ear monitors require a decent fit in order to sound its best, but the Final Audio ZE3000 SV are more fit-dependent than any other earbuds I’ve heard in a long time. It’s just as well the company provides so many pair of eartips – you're gonna need them.

Still, at least you can take active measures to ensure the ZE3000 SV sound as good as they can. What you can’t do is mitigate their fundamental sonic attitude, which is rather matter-of-fact and undemonstrative. It’s one thing to not be one of those ‘eyes out on stalks’, ‘excitement at all costs’ listens, but it’s quite another to go too far the other way. With a little more energy and animation to their presentation, the ZE3000 SV would be an even more competitive proposition.

Mind you, if their active noise-cancellation got anywhere close to ‘cancellation’ they’d be more attractive, still. Yes, it’s true that Final Audio’s decision to ensure its ANC algorithms don’t impact on sound quality means the ZE3000 SV sound exactly the same whether it’s switched on or off, but it’s so light-touch in its effectiveness that it almost seems worth some sonic disruption for ANC that does what it’s supposed to do.

• Sound quality: 4/5

Note the stabilizer fins and separate tips (Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Final Audio ZE3000 SV review: Design

• 4g per earbud
• ‘Shibo’ textured finish
• Five sizes of eartip included

What do you want from your true wireless in-ear headphones' design? If you’re anything like me, you want them to be small, light and comfortable, and ideally with a good range of eartip sizes to help with the fit. If that sounds familiar, you’ll be very pleased indeed with the design of the ZE3000 SV.

The little pebble-shaped earbuds themselves are a nicely ergonomic shape, and at 4g each are no kind of burden. A choice of five differently sized pairs of eartips helps to achieve a secure and comfortable fit, and the ‘Shibo’ finish that Final Audio has been so keen on lately not only makes them look mildly distinctive but also helps when taking them out (either of the charging case or of your ears).

The charging case itself is similarly compact, similarly light and, thanks to that aforementioned ‘Shibo’ finish, is less likely to show any marks or scuffs than is usual. A single tiny LED on its front face lets you know what the state of play is.

The standard of build and finish is very acceptable indeed. The ZE3000 SV may be necessarily lightweight, but that doesn’t translate to a feeling of flimsiness. The earbuds’ IPX4 rating lets you know that things have been properly screwed together.

• Design score: 5/5

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Final Audio ZE3000 SV review: value

• Good specification, build and finish
• Lots to like in audio terms
• Need greater sonic liveliness

‘Nice’ is not automatically faint praise, and the Final Audio ZE3000 SV are a nice product. They're well-made, properly finished, competitively specified, comfortable to wear, and quite pleasant to listen to in any number of ways. Judged against their obvious rivals from the likes of the Sony WF-C710N and Nothing Ear (3), the ZE3000 SV are an interesting option and represent, I suppose, the path less traveled.

Unless you’re easily overstimulated, though, the earbuds’ lack of sonic animation has to count as a negative when you're talking about outright value for money.

• Value: 4/5

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Should I buy the Final Audio ZE3000 SV?

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

Four ANC options, solid capacitive touch possibilities and good battery life, but limited app functionality

4/5

Sound quality

Balanced and detailed, natural-sounding midrange, but only if the fitting is spot-on

4/5

Design

Comfortable, with excellent standard of build and finish, lots of (necessary) eartips

5/5

Value

A solid product, nicely finished, but lacks sonic liveliness

4/5

Buy them if…

You like a long listening session
The Final Audio ZE3000 SV have the battery life and the comfort to keep you listening for hour after hour.

You have a decently specified source of music
LDAC codec compatibility means access to one of the better forms of Bluetooth streaming.

You value understatement
Between their compact dimensions and the ‘Shibo’ finish, the ZE3000 SV manage to look unusual and subtle at the same time.

Don’t buy them if…

You crave sonic stimulation
‘Grown up’ is a perfectly valid audio attitude, ‘slightly dull’ not so much.

You like full control
Both the touch controls and the app give partial, rather than complete, control over the ZE3000 SV.

Your ears are of peculiar dimensions
The Final Audio rely even more than most earbuds on the fit being exactly right if they’re to sound their best

Final Audio ZE3000 SV review: Also consider

Final Audio ZE3000 SV

JBL Live Beam 3

Nothing Ear (3)

Sony WF-C710N

Drivers

10mm ‘F-Core SV’ dynamic

10mm dynamic

11mm dynamic

5mm dynamic

Active noise cancellation

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Battery life

7 hours (earbuds, ANC on); 28 hours (charging case)

Up to 12 hours (buds), up to 48 hours total

5.2 hours (buds); 24 hours (case)

8.5hrs (ANC on) 12hrs (ANC off); plus 30 hours in the case

Weight

4g per bud

5g per bud

4.62g (buds); 51.9g (case)

5.2g (per bud)

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.3 (SBC, AAC, LDAC)

Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC, USB-C

Bluetooth 5.3

Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C (SBC, AAC)

Waterproofing

IPX4

IP55

IP54

IPX4

JBL Live Beam 3
Solid audio quality and great battery life add to the appeal of the JBL's remote screen control, but the standard of ANC detracts from it more than somewhat.
Read more in our JBL Live Beam 3 review.

Nothing Ear
They score over the Final Audio where low-end heft and excitement are concerned, and they’re attractive lookers in a kind of ‘try hard’ way. Meager battery life is an obvious down-side, though.
Get the full picture in our Nothing Ear review.

Sony WF-C710N
Now routinely available for less than £100, these junior Sonys have the beating of the Final Audio where noise-cancellation and energy of sound are concerned. No LDAC, though, and they’re not as visually sophisticated as the ZE3000 SV, either.
Get the full picture in our Sony WF-C710N review.

How I tested the Final Audio ZE3000 SV

• Connected to a FiiO M15S and Apple iPhone 14 Pro
• Used indoors and outdoors
• With a range of music and of file types

I made the Final Audio ZE3000 SV my default true wireless earbuds for well over a week during the course of this review.

When listening outdoors I almost always used my iPhone 14 Pro as a source (using the AAC codec) – it’s loaded with Presto, Spotify and Tidal apps, so there’s plenty of accessible music.

Indoors, I tended to link it to my FiiO M15S DAP using LDAC. The player has a lot of very hi-res music stored locally, so I was able to listen to everything from DSD128 and 24bit/192kHz FLAC down to 128kbps stuff.

• First reviewed in August 2025.

• Read TechRadar's review guarantee
• Learn more specifically about how we test earbuds at TechRadar

Bluehost WonderSuite is an AI platform that makes it easier to build websites on WordPress.org's open-source CMS. It offers a compelling alternative for those who find traditional WordPress sites too complex to manage, but still want to benefit from its flexbility.

We have spent thousands of hours testing 140+ of the best website builders. While it's true that Wix remains our top pick for 2025, Bluehost's revamped website builder deserves serious consideration among WordPress users.

In this guide, we run through everything you need to know about Bluehost's dedicated AI website builder.

Bluehost WonderSuite: 2-minute review

Bluehost WonderSuite is an AI-powered tool that simplifies creating WordPress websites. It combines several smart tools to guide users from setup to design and content creation. We found the onboarding experience very helpful. It collects your information upfront and uses it throughout your site.

Since 2003, Bluehost has been a trusted web hosting provider powering over 2 million websites. As one of the few hosting companies recommended by WordPress.org, the company used its expertise to create this solution. WonderSuite comes with all Bluehost WordPress hosting plans, making it accessible for beginners and small businesses.

During testing, we liked how WonderSuite’s AI guidance reduced common frustrations in WordPress site building. The drag-and-drop interface and pre-designed templates let you create a professional website in minutes, with no coding skills needed. The AI assistant offers help right when you need it, so you don’t have to search for answers.

However, we noticed some limitations. While WonderSuite makes WordPress easier to use, it offers fewer template options than some dedicated builders. Also, some users report inconsistent customer support, which can be frustrating when you need assistance. Overall, WonderSuite is a big step in making WordPress more accessible for beginners while keeping its powerful features.

What is Bluehost WonderSuite?

Bluehost WonderSuite is like a friendly helper for creating a WordPress website. It’s perfect for beginners who have never built one before. This toolset uses AI to make WordPress, a sometimes tricky platform, much easier to use.

Think of WonderSuite as your personal website assistant. It asks questions about your site and uses your answers to build it for you. For instance, when you enter your social media links during setup, WonderSuite adds them to your website and optimizes them for search engines. It takes care of almost every technical task, so you don’t have to worry.

The suite is a combination of different tools: WonderStart guides you through setup, WonderTheme offers customizable designs, WonderBlocks provides ready-made content sections for your pages, and WonderHelp gives AI-powered support when you need it. Together, these tools simplify the complex process of building and maintaining a WordPress site from scratch.

Features

Bluehost WonderSuite offers many features that simplify WordPress for beginners while keeping its powerful capabilities. (Image credit: Bluehost)

Bluehost WonderSuite offers many features that simplify WordPress for beginners while keeping its powerful capabilities. The suite combines AI guidance with easy design tools, making WordPress more approachable. It smartly uses information gathered during onboarding for various site tasks, like search engine optimization and social media integration.

This feature set is aimed at small to medium businesses, bloggers, and entrepreneurs who want WordPress's flexibility without a steep learning curve. We were impressed by how WonderSuite connects complex WordPress functions with user-friendly website builders, making it accessible for beginners. AI assistance gives help right when you need it, so you don’t have to search for answers.

While the platform performs its main features well, we noticed some limits in template options compared to website builders like Wix. The customer support experience can be inconsistent, which may frustrate users needing help. We also wished for more advanced AI content generation tools, although Bluehost is reportedly developing WonderAssist for this purpose.

With pricing starting at just $1.99 per month for the Basic plan, the value is strong. WonderSuite comes with all Bluehost WordPress hosting plans at no extra cost, making it a great choice for beginners and small businesses. The ecommerce features in the premium plans ($7.45/month) offer good value for online stores, with WonderCart providing extensive sales and promotional tools.

Tools

WonderTheme is a flexible, block-based WordPress theme created by YITH. It serves as the base for your website design. (Image credit: Bluehost)

Bluehost WonderSuite offers powerful tools for building WordPress websites. Each tool focuses on a part of the website creation process, from setup to management and optimization. Here are the key tools in this suite:

WonderStart

WonderStart offers a personalized onboarding experience that speeds up website creation through smart data collection. It asks specific questions about your website goals and preferences. This information is then used during other stages of building your site. For example, if you enter social media handles during setup, WonderStart optimizes them for SEO and adds them to your site's social buttons. This saves you from entering the same information multiple times across different sections.

WonderTheme

WonderTheme is a flexible, block-based WordPress theme created by YITH. It serves as the base for your website design. The drag-and-drop builder lets you create beautiful, customized websites without needing coding skills. It provides pre-set theme styles, color palettes, font options, and various header and menu layouts to build your brand identity. The theme works well with WordPress’s full-site editing, giving you a true WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) experience to design your site in real-time.

WonderBlocks

WonderBlocks features a rich library of block patterns and page templates filled with images and suggested text based on your inputs from WonderStart. These pre-designed sections can be easily dragged and dropped onto your pages. This makes it easy to create visually appealing layouts without design skills. The patterns and templates fit your website’s purpose and can be customized to match your style. This tool speeds up page creation while ensuring a professional look.

WonderHelp

WonderHelp is an AI-driven guide that supports users throughout their WordPress site-building journey. Instead of searching external sites for WordPress questions, WonderHelp offers step-by-step guides within the site builder. This helps users tackle common challenges and learn WordPress features without leaving their dashboard. The AI assistant guides users on tasks from creating blog posts to optimizing pages, making it a great resource for beginners facing WordPress's complexities.

WonderCart

WonderCart is a unique ecommerce tool designed for online store owners who want to boost sales with advanced marketing features. It's part of Bluehost's Online Store packages and combines cross-selling and upselling in one solution. The sales and promotions section stands out, letting users create campaigns like product discounts and free shipping easily. WonderCart also simplifies payment processing, supporting multiple providers like PayPal, Google Pay, and Apple Pay. It removes the need for separate plugins to handle different parts of your online store.

Ease of use

WonderSuite's clean interface doesn’t overwhelm new users with choices. (Image credit: Bluehost)

Bluehost WonderSuite makes WordPress easy for beginners. The modern, clean interface doesn’t overwhelm new users with choices. During testing, we noticed the onboarding process was smooth. WonderStart asks questions about your website goals and tailors the experience based on your answers. This cuts out many technical decisions that can confuse beginners.

The learning curve is much easier than traditional WordPress. Instead of the usual dashboard filled with menus, users go through a step-by-step visual guide. The AI-powered help offers support right when you need it. For example, if you want to create a blog, WonderHelp gives specific instructions in the builder instead of sending you to outside documents. This keeps users focused on building their site rather than tackling complex systems.

The drag-and-drop feature works well across the platform. Users can easily customize layouts without needing to code. WonderBlocks makes adding elements like hero sections and testimonials as easy as clicking and dragging, speeding up the design process. Even those with no website experience can create professional-looking pages in minutes, thanks to the intuitive WYSIWYG editor that shows real-time changes.

Accessibility is a key focus in the design. The interface has clear visual hierarchies and simple navigation paths. It balances simplicity and functionality well, removing unnecessary complexity while still providing access to WordPress's powerful features.

However, WonderSuite uses Yoast's open-source React component library for its interface. This creates a consistent design that differs from the standard WordPress admin. While some users might find the switch between WonderSuite’s interface and other WordPress parts jarring, this visual style helps new users see which parts belong to the new platform versus standard WordPress.

Pricing

Plan

Starting rate (paid annually)

Renewal rate (paid annually)

Basic

$2.95/mo

$11.99/mo

Choice Plus

$3.95/mo

$15.99/mo

Pro

$13.95/mo

$28.99/mo

You can save on your Bluehost subscription by checking out our list of the best Bluehost promo codes.

Bluehost WonderSuite is part of all Bluehost WordPress hosting plans. (Image credit: Bluehost)

Pricing and plans explained

Bluehost WonderSuite is part of all Bluehost WordPress hosting plans, so it doesn't add any extra costs to your existing subscription. The Basic plan starts at $2.95 per month (renewing at $11.99/month). It includes WonderSuite, a free domain for one year, a free SSL certificate, and 10GB of storage. This plan is great for personal blogs or simple business sites.

For more resources, the Choice Plus plan costs $3.95/month (renewing at $15.99/month). It offers 20GB of storage and allows unlimited websites. Next is the Pro plan at $13.95/month (renewing at $28.99/month).

All plans have promotional pricing for the first term, with rates increasing upon renewal. This practice is common in web hosting but can lead to high renewal rates, sometimes more than five times the introductory price. If you’re sure about staying with the platform, consider a longer initial term of 12 to 36 months to save more.

Overall, Bluehost WonderSuite's pricing is competitive in the WordPress hosting market. The AI-powered tools it offers simplify the website-building process. Including WonderSuite at no extra cost across all plans makes it appealing for beginners. It provides WordPress’s flexibility without the usual learning curve or the need for multiple premium plugins.

Security

While Bluehost has solid basic security, advanced features like daily backups cost extra. (Image credit: Bluehost)

Bluehost's products all benefit from strong security measures. It offers free SSL certificates on all plans. This ensures encrypted connections between visitors and your website. During testing, we liked the automatic WordPress core updates. These updates help keep sites secure without needing manual work. They protect against known vulnerabilities. Higher-tier plans also include SiteLock Lite, which offers basic malware scanning and removal.

While Bluehost has solid basic security, advanced features like daily backups cost extra. Users must upgrade to higher-tier plans for these options. The company has SOC 2 Type II certification for its data centers. This shows compliance with strict security standards to protect customer data. For added protection, Bluehost offers CodeGuard as an add-on service for $2.99/month. It provides daily automated backups and one-click restoration, making it a smart choice for business websites where data loss can be costly.

Customer support

Bluehost also has a large knowledge base with tutorials, guides, and FAQs on WonderSuite. (Image credit: Bluehost)

Bluehost provides 24/7 customer support on all plans through live chat, phone, and email. In our tests, the support team showed good knowledge of WonderSuite's features. However, response times varied based on the time of day and the complexity of our questions. Live chat was the fastest for quick issues, connecting us with an agent in 5-10 minutes. Phone support sometimes had longer wait times during busy hours.

The WonderHelp tool acts as a first line of support, offering guidance that often removes the need for customer service. We found this AI assistant very useful for common WordPress and WonderSuite questions. Bluehost also has a large knowledge base with tutorials, guides, and FAQs on WonderSuite, which helped with self-guided troubleshooting.

One downside is that some users have reported mixed experiences with Bluehost's support, especially during busy times. While our interactions were mostly positive, we noted that some technical issues needed escalation to specialized teams, which could delay resolutions. Users that may need extensive support might find better value in higher-tier plans, as they receive priority assistance compared to Basic plan subscribers.

Alternatives

In the website builder market, Bluehost WonderSuite sits somewhere between WordPress hosting solutions like DreamHost and all-in-one website builders like Wix. It's great for small to medium businesses, bloggers, and entrepreneurs seeking WordPress's flexibility without the usual learning curve. If you want to build a WordPress site with little technical hassle, WonderSuite offers a strong package that few competitors match.

The main competitors to Bluehost WonderSuite are WordPress-focused hosts like SiteGround, DreamHost, and Hostinger. Hostinger even offers a competing website building solution. However, Bluehost's AI-powered approach with WonderSuite gives a more guided experience, especially helpful for beginners. If you're considering WP Engine, Bluehost offers a more budget-friendly option with similar WordPress features.

Bluehost and Hostinger are also fairly comparable in price. Both with introductory rates starting around $3/mo with a jump to around $12 a month after that. We would recommend checking out both options before making a decision.

If you're open to options beyond WordPress, Wix is our top pick for 2025. It’s a comprehensive website builder with its own AI tools. Wix has more design flexibility and a larger template library, but you lose some ownership and portability benefits that come with an open-source platform. Squarespace is another worthy alternative, especially if you want a website builder that is going to help your site really stand out from the screen. We have created a full Bluehost website builder vs Squarespace comparison so you can learn more.

For those starting their online journey and prioritizing simplicity, WonderSuite offers a good mix of ease and the long-term benefits of WordPress. Its AI-guided approach lowers many barriers while providing a website that can grow with your needs. This is unlike some limited website builders that may force you to start over as your requirements change.

Bluehost website builder: Summary

Bluehost WonderSuite makes WordPress easy and accessible with its AI tools and guided help. Our tests showed it connects WordPress's power with the ease of dedicated website builders. There are some limits in template choices and customer support, but the overall value is strong. This is especially true for beginners and small businesses that want WordPress's flexibility without a steep learning curve.

WonderSuite is included at no extra cost in all Bluehost WordPress hosting plans. This makes it a great choice for anyone wanting to create a professional website without coding skills. For those who want WordPress without its usual complexities, WonderSuite offers a smooth path to getting online.

Looking for an alternative AI powered website builder? Check out our best AI website builders.

Bluehost WonderSuite: FAQsHow is Bluehost different from WordPress?

When it comes to the difference between WordPress and Bluehost, the answer is pretty simple. Bluehost is a web hosting provider that offers website builder capabilities, while WordPress is a fully hosted content management system (CMS).

Do I get an SSL with my Bluehost website?

Yes, Bluehost offers a free SSL certificate on all of its hosting/website builder plans. This will help boost site security and increase overall trust in your website from users.

Is Bluehost website builder any good?

We found Bluehost to be a very useful website builder for those looking to create a WordPress website and have no clue where to begin or how to do it. You can create any type of website with Bluehost, from a portfolio site to an ecommerce store.

Is Bluehost's website builder good for beginners?

The short answer is yes. Bluehost is a popular choice for beginnings starting out their online journey. The tool includes 24/7 customer support, promises 99.9% uptime and has 1-click WordPress install, which will enable beginners to build their website with ease.

Is Bluehost billed monthly or annually?

Unfortunately, Bluehost doesn't offer monthly payment options for its cheap shared hosting or managed WordPress hosting. However, you can choose month-to-month billing with Bluehost's VPS or dedicated hosting plans.

For Bluehost's website builder plans, you have the option to commit to 12 months or 36 months.

Do I get a free domain with Bluehost?

Yes, you get a free domain for the first year with Bluehost. However, after that year it will renew at an additional cost. The renewal cost can sometimes come at a premium, making it more expensive over the long term than opting for an independent domain registrar.

It is important to monitor potential renewal costs when picking your domain to ensure it remains affordable over time.

What email does Bluehost use?

Bluehost offers the same three individual webmail clients you will see on most mainstream web hosting providers: Roundcube, Horde, and SquirrelMail.

Is Bluehost’s website builder secure?

Yes, Bluehost offers a good level of security as a hosting and website builder provider. When you pick Bluehost you get a free SSL certificate, malware scanning, and automatic backups, giving you peace of mind that your website is secure.

Bluehost also offers SiteLock for additional protection. This platform will scan your website every day to identify potential vulnerabilities and protect against threats.

Is Bluehost good for blogging?

Bluehost is great for bloggers because of its simplicity, great support and excellent interface. You can quite literally have your blog up and running in minutes. Bluehost is also the recommended web hosting provider by WordPress, a top quality blogging platform.

Does Bluehost offer refunds?

You can cancel your hosting plan within the first 30 days for a full refund, and if you cancel within 30 days, you receive a full refund on your hosting service only. The money-back guarantee does not apply to most add-on products, such as domains, given the unique nature of their costs.

Do I own my domain name with Bluehost?

You can register new domain names and transfer domains you already own right inside your Bluehost account. Please note that once you have registered a domain name with Bluehost, it cannot be cancelled for a refund.

Editor's note

Hostinger recently announced that the Zyro website builder is now fully integrated with Hostinger. This integration sees Zyro's user-friendly website building tools and features combined with Hostinger's leading web hosting solutions.

Although all sales and services of Zyro are now discontinued, Zyro clients can continue to manage, edit, and grow their site with the Hostinger website builder.

Hostinger Website Builder is a strong cloud hosted no-code platform for those looking for an affordable website creation tool. After testing it against many competitors in our best website builders guide, we found it to be a great value. Plans start at just $2.99/month, well below the entry points of most competing solutions.

We have spent thousands of hours testing over 140 website building platforms, giving us insight into how each platform stacks up against the rest of the market. While Hostinger doesn't fully match the feature set of Wix — our top pick for 2025, it still provides an impressive range of tools at a lower cost.

Read our full Hostinger Website Builder review below to find out how its beginner-friendly UI, AI-driven website creation, and strong ecommerce features make it ideal for both businesses and freelancers. We especially liked the unlimited websites, free domain registration, and SSL certificates included with all plans, offering great value for budget-conscious users.

Hostinger Website Builder: 2-minute review

Our testing of Hostinger Website Builder shows it is a strong yet affordable choice. The platform stands out with its drag-and-drop editor and AI tools, making it easy for beginners. Plans start at just $2.49/month with our exclusive discount code. This offers great value compared to other website builders.

Hostinger Website Builder is included in all Hostinger web hosting plans, which also include a free domain for a year, 100 email addresses, and SSL certificates for user safety. You can also purchase it as a standalone for $2.99-$3.99 per month.

We found the platform ideal for small businesses, freelancers, and personal sites. It offers over 150 responsive templates across various categories, making it simple to create professional-looking sites fast. While it may not have the extensive features of premium competitors like Wix, Hostinger provides impressive capabilities at a lower cost.

However, there are some limitations. There’s no free plan to test, and you can’t switch templates without starting over. The platform lacks an app marketplace for extra functionality, and many advanced AI tools are only available in the higher-tier plan.

What is Hostinger Website Builder?

Hostinger Website Builder is a user-friendly tool. It allows you to create websites without coding or design skills. Think of it as digital building blocks that you can drag and drop. Unlike complex platforms, Hostinger's builder focuses on simplicity. It uses customizable templates as starting points for your site.

The builder has two main toolbars. They contain everything needed to design and manage your website. You can easily add text, images, buttons, and other elements with simple clicks. For a quicker start, Hostinger offers an AI option. It can generate a website for you in just 2-3 minutes based on your preferences.

What makes Hostinger great for beginners is that it includes everything in one package. You get website building tools, hosting, and even a free domain name. This all-in-one approach removes the technical challenges of connecting different services. Plus, the editor works smoothly on mobile devices. You can update your site from anywhere.

Features

(Image credit: Hostinger Website Builder)

Hostinger Website Builder is a terrific tool for creating personal blogs, professional sites, and online stores without special technical skills. The core of the process is choosing a template and customizing it until you like it. Thanks to Hostinger’s easy-to-use editor this will be an easygoing experience. However, there’s one catch with this - once you choose a template, you can’t switch it without starting all over, and doing this more than once can become awfully annoying awfully quick.

The site builder profits from a clear interface, intuitive layout, and drag-and-drop functionality. The UI is minimalistic, the core options on the left menu are almost self-explanatory, and adding new elements is easy. There are almost no restraints on how can one move content elements around.

Also, its automatically responsive web design can adjust to any screen and look beautiful to boot - computers, tablets, and smartphones alike.

As for ready-made templates, there is a decent amount of them and they are designed to fit different types of sites - online stores, art portfolios, all sorts of blogs, and so on. And if none of them is what you wanted for your site, you can adjust colors, change fonts, and move elements around. Plus, Hostinger provides a royalty-free image library you can browse and borrow any image that catches your eye.

Like with other Hostinger products, its site builder works as an all-in-one sort of solution for creating sites. So, in addition to the site builder and all its tools, the package also includes a domain name registration and a web hosting service with unmetered traffic, and a free SSL certificate. Plus, you can create up to 100 sites and up to 100 domain-based email accounts, if you wish to do so.

If you’re interested in e-commerce features, you’ll be glad to hear that (with the 'Business Website Builder' plan) Hostinger site builder covers all essentials including the ability to accept 20+ payments methods and offering 0% transaction fees.

Tools

(Image credit: Hostinger Website Builder)

Since we’ve pretty much covered standard site-building tools (as well as e-commerce tools) in the previous chapter, we’ll now check out the awesome AI-powered tools this builder has to offer.

Hostinger's advanced AI tools makes it one of the best small business website builders — making it quick and easy for those with little time and budget to get their business online.

If you’re eager to create more content for your site, but don’t have enough time for that, you can employ Hostinger’s AI Writer to do the writing for you. To get things started, choose one of the top-level topics (such as “small business”) and then select a topic-specific category (let’s say gaming). Then, choose what part of your site the AI will be creating this piece of writing for (something like the “About” page), and hit the “Generate” button.

While the AI’s scope currently seems somewhat limited, the paragraph you’ll get will be surpassingly readable - and it will save you the time you could spend on something more critical. Plus, AI Writer is now multilingual, which is excellent news for all non-English speakers out there.

Another interesting AI-powered tool is AI Heatmap and it should help you find out what images will your visitors focus on, even before your site is finished. Moreover, it tries to predict in which way the visitors will navigate around your site and what will attract their attention the most. Then, you can organize the elements of your site in a way it attracts the most visitors and maximizes conversion.

Hostinger has also integrated AI in some smart ways to help online sellers. For example, you can use AI to automatically remove the background from images, making it easier than ever to create professional looking product images. You can also use AI to do bulk product uploads from CSV, drastically cutting the time it takes to get new products online.

Other noteworthy tools from Hostinger’s bag of tricks include Logo Maker (as suggested, it creates catchy logos), Site Analytics (it will get you an insight into who visits your site), PageSpeed Insights (a way to test your site’s speed performance), Business Name Generator (it’s self-explanatory), and Slogan Generator (also, self-explanatory).

User reviews

(Image credit: Hostinger Website Builder)

Since its launch in October 2022, Hostinger’s website builder has attracted a modest user base, many of whom have shared their observations and opinions about the product on popular review sites. Some of the sites we’ve closely checked include Trustpilot, HostAdvice, Reviews.io, and TrustRadius.

Since most user reviews are focused on web hosting services, though, we had to get our hands dirty digging through these reviews to find what users think about the new site builder.

Hostinger boasts a 4.7/5 rating on Trustpilot, 4.6/5 on HostAdvice, and 4.7/5 on WPBeginner. But these don't all reflect customer perception of their website builder, since it also includes their hosting services. So we’ve checked the latest user reviews that bring up Hostinger Website Builder to see how it holds up.

On Trustpilot, users have criticized the process of transferring their sites to the new site builder as it was slow, required users to rebuild their sites, and had to wait for a day before the sites appeared on the internet. However, most users found the site builder simple to use, swift, and of big help.

User reviews on HostAdvice paint a similar picture by calling Hostinger Website Builder useful but somewhat slow and lacking in more complex editing options. On Reviews.io no one pointed out the site builder, but the rating of Hostinger’s overall service was a rock-solid 4.4/5.

TrustRadius rated Hostinger with 7.4 out of 10, which is uncharacteristically low compared to other platforms.

But user reviews suggest that most users are pleased with Hostinger’s new website builder overall. Complaints were mostly directed towards its speed and lack of more complex image editing options — but that’s it.

Ease of use

(Image credit: Hostinger Website Builder)

The short answer is yes, it is. However, Hostinger Website Builder is not only easy to use but it’s one of the most beginner-friendly site-building tools out there. After all, it was created to address the needs of less tech-savvy Hostinger users.

Building a site with WordPress calls for some technical know-how (or tons of tutorials).

Even if you’re an experienced professional user, a beginner-friendly site builder can help your less-experienced teammates get used to the new tool and speed up the workflow.

The site builder’s drag-and-drop, grid-based editor will make adding text, images, videos, maps, contact forms, and other elements to your site effortless. There’s also an icon that lets you clone the whole section, which can significantly speed up things. And if your site doesn’t turn out exactly as expected, there’s an easy-to-spot “Undo” icon that’ll return your site to its prior state.

And if by a stroke of bad luck, a thunderstorm causes a power outage or you turn off your computer by accident, thanks to Hostinger’s autosaving functionality you won’t lose your cherished content - and this autosaving is activated every couple of seconds.

As mentioned above, Hostinger offers a royalty-free image library, so you can stop worrying about where you’ll find fitting images for your site. While only one image can be uploaded at a time, all of them will be saved in your image library from where you can choose the ones to use, edit, or delete.

To tell the truth, we weren’t exactly impressed with the site builder’s edition options. While the site builder offers more image edition options than the old one, it still isn’t much. You can add/remove backgrounds, resize, crop, and upscale an image, and that's about it.

So, our only complaint about Hostinger Website Builder is that its image editor is a bit too basic. Even so, this tool is probably as user-friendly as one can get.

Pricing

(Image credit: Hostinger Website Builder)

Plan

Introductory offer (48 months)

With our exclusive promo code*

Renewal rate

Website Builder Basic

$2.99/mo

$2.69/mo

$11.99

Website Builder Plus

$3.99/mo

$3.59/mo

$13.99

* You can use the code TECHRADAR at checkout to save 10% off on top of the introductory rate. You can also check out our Hostinger promo codes to find more deals.

Pricing and plans explained

Hostinger Website Builder comes in two package options, making it simple to find a plan that works for you.

Website Builder Basic offers you everything you need to build one website with up to five pages including an AI website builder, plenty of templates, and a free domain for one year. It starts at $2.99/mo for a 4-year sign up, but increases to $11.99/mo after that.

More serious users will need the Website Builder Plus plan. This unlocks unlimited pages and up to 50 websites as well as ecommerce features and a bunch of helpful AI tools. This plan starts at $3.99/mo for a 4-year sign up, then jumps to $13.99/mo after that.

All Hostinger’s web hosting and website builder plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, which means you can try out everything before making a long-term commitment. However, there are no free trials nor free tiers for the new site builder at the moment.

As for payment methods, Hostinger accepts all major credit/debit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, AliPay, and Coingate.

So does Hostinger Website Builder provide good value for money? Yes, particularly if you subscribe for a longer period.

Security

(Image credit: Hostinger Website Builder)

With cybercrime on the rise, site owners need to stay very vigilant to keep their sites on the safe side of the internet. A smart place to start is to make sure your service provider is equipped with all the security tools you’ll need to shield your site and its visitors from all sorts of threats. Fortunately for all Hostinger customers, the company takes the security of its products and services very seriously.

For starters, Hostinger provides a free Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate with all its plans, which adds another layer of security to all data being shared through your site.

With Hostinger you can set up Cloudflare which will conceal all server IP addresses and shield your site against distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks.

All Hostinger’s plans come with weekly backups, which means you can turn back time in case you mess up your site or something goes wrong. If automatic weekly backups aren’t enough for you, you can always go with a business-focused plan and get daily backups instead.

Also, Hostinger supports two-factor authentication (2FA), so you can be sure all your logins are done by you. So, even if someone steals your login credentials, they won’t be able to access your Hostinger account.

Instead of a conclusion, we’ll also add that Hostinger guarantees 99.9% uptime with all its web hosting services, and this is the available uptime per month. If your site suffers more downtime than this, you can contact the customer support staff and request a credit of 5% off your monthly hosting fee for that month.

All in all, Hostinger Website Builder seems like a solid choice in terms of security.

Customer support

(Image credit: Hostinger Website Builder)

With all Hostinger's plans (website builder & web hosting included), customers can rely on round-the-clock live chat, e-mail, and ticket support. However, a telephone line is not available at this time.

Live chat support is probably your best bet out of the direct support channels and you shouldn’t wait for more than a couple of minutes before getting a reply from a support agent.

All do-it-yourself types of users will be thankful for Hostinger's well-supplied Help Center. There, you’ll find both the basic, beginner-oriented web hosting and site-building stuff and tips on mastering marketing and boosting your business strategy. Most how-tos are written in a simple-to-understand way and feature fitting screenshots to boot - so, getting lost is not an option.

However, we suggest browsing through the categories rather than utilizing the search box since it’s astonishingly awful at finding the right articles - strange, it’s usually the other way around.

All things considered, Hostinger hits the marks in all areas when it comes to customer support and it offers more options than most budget-friendly providers.

Alternatives

As a website builder, Hostinger stands out mainly as an affordable and easy-to-use option. It offers good value without confusing users with complex features. We believe it would work best for individuals, freelancers, and small businesses who need a professional-looking website without high costs or a steep learning curve. The platform shines for those creating simple business sites, portfolios, or small online stores with up to 500 products.

Wix is the market leader and our top choice for 2025. It provides more advanced features and design flexibility than Hostinger, but at a much higher price. WordPress offers greater customization and scalability for larger sites, but it can be daunting for beginners. For those focused on ecommerce, Shopify offers specialized selling tools, though at premium prices.

When comparing hosting services that provide website builders, Hostinger competes with Bluehost in the WordPress hosting market. Hostinger has captured a large market share (58.95%) in this area, making it a value leader. For users who want affordability without losing essential features, Hostinger Website Builder is an excellent starting point for building an online presence without the technical challenges of more complex platforms.

Hostinger AI WordPress website builder

Hostinger offers a slightly different version of its website builder for those looking to build their site on the WordPress CMS. Put simply, the Hostinger AI WordPress Website Builder allows users to build a full website template, complete with text and images that will be hosted by Hostinger, but managed via WordPress.

(Image credit: Hostinger)

You start the journey by telling the AI website builder a little about the site you are looking to build, including your brand name, website type, and a description of the website you are looking to create. The website builder then takes that information and uses it to create a website for you.

Of course, like with all AI website builders, you will need to do at least some editing to make your site worthy of representing your brand online, but it does give you a great starting place.

This is a great alternative to WordPress’s built in website builder, Gutenberg. We did a full comparison of the two platforms in our Hostinger AI WordPress website builder vs WordPress.com guide.

Hostinger website builder review: Summary

Hostinger Website Builder is an AI-powered, all-in-one sort of solution aimed at newcomers and less experienced users that plan to create a personal blog, a pretty-looking portfolio, or a small online store.

The templates are beautiful yet simple, the editor is easy to use (but a bit too basic), and the price tag is pretty pocket-friendly. Plus, a free SSL certificate, royalty-free image library, ecommerce features, AI tools, and 24/7 live chat support will only sweeten the deal. It’s one of the best beginner-friendly options out there.

Hostinger Website Builder review: FAQsDoes Hostinger have a free website builder?

While Hostinger provides a free Hostinger Website Builder with all its web hosting plans (even the cheapest one), there isn’t a free edition of this product - nor a free trial for that matter. Besides this, there is a one-and-only site builder plan and it is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Is Hostinger website builder secure?

Yes, Hostinger is considered one of the most secure website builders on the market.

All Hostinger sites come with a free Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate. The platform also allows you to set up Cloudflare, which can conceal all server IP addresses and protect you against DDoS attaches.

All plans also come with weekly backups, making it easy to jump back in time if anything goes wrong with your site. Alternatively, if you upgrade your plan you can get access to daily backups.

Can I migrate my website to Hostinger’s website builder?

Hostinger website builder offers a tool that allows you to migrate websites directly into its platform. This can be incredibly helpful, but only if you have the original files. However, in many circumstances you will not be able to access what you need to complete a seamless migration.

Other website builders such as Wix and Squarespace will not typically allow you to download your website files, making it impossible to then upload those files onto Hostinger’s website builder.

When our Website Builder Editor, Owain Williams, moved his website from Wix to Hostinger he had to build his site from scratch.

Which is best: Hostinger vs Zyro?

Hostinger Website Builder is an upgraded, feature-rich, AI-powered, rookie-oriented version of Zyro, so we think it’s an improved edition of the site builder. If you were a fan of Zyro, you’ll probably like it as much under the new name.

What payment type does Hostinger Website Builder support?

The online payments platform you can utilize in your online store with Hostinger Website Builder is Stripe and it supports several payment methods. These include all major credit/debit cards (including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express), Apple Pay, Google Pay, Alipay, Afterpay/Clearpay, Bancontact, BLIK, and the list goes on.

We should note that the only payment method available by default is bank cards, while the other methods will have to be enabled. They’re all integrated though.

uTorrent is one of the most popular torrent clients globally. To many, it’s synonymous with torrenting itself. This platform maintains a stellar reputation because of its performance, speed, and ubiquitous features.

I’m reviewing uTorrent to help you decide whether it’s worth the hype. My review will focus on crucial factors like its features, speed, performance, security, and pricing. Read on to learn the pros and cons of uTorrent in detail.

uTorrent: Pricing

Unlike many torrenting clients, uTorrent offers different tiers of its product. Its basic version is free for anyone to download. However, this free version includes ads on the interface, which can be distracting when downloading content.

The paid tiers of uTorrent include

Ad-Free: For $4.95 per year, you can remove all ads from your interface. This version is also optimized to consume less bandwidth.

Pro: For $19.95 yearly, you can enjoy an ad-free experience and integrated virus scanning when downloading torrents.

Pro + VPN: This tier combines the features of the Pro tier and includes a VPN for secure content downloads. A VPN routes torrenting traffic through secure remote servers to avoid being tracked by third-parties.

uTorrent accepts cryptocurrency and credit/debit card payments. The paid tiers lack a free trial.

uTorrent: Versions

Extensive compatibility is one of uTorrent’s strengths. It has apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It also has an Android but no iOS app, which is typical for torrenting clients. Apple frowns upon torrenting apps appearing on its App Store, so you’ll hardly find any torrenting platform compatible with iOS.

(Image credit: Future)uTorrent: Features

uTorrent is the most feature-rich torrenting client in my opinion, as it offers functionalities I’ve hardly encountered in other rival clients. It has a simple mechanism. You’ll first find a .torrent file from an external website. This file contains the metadata of the content you want to download.

Then, you’ll upload the .torrent file on uTorrent to begin downloading the relevant content. uTorrent notably supports bulk downloads at fast speeds, a feature many torrenting clients lack.

I observed fast download speeds when testing uTorrent. The app auto-adjusts bandwidth usage based on your network connection to provide fast speeds.

Download speeds are determined partly by the number of “seeders,” or uploaders, available on uTorrent’s network. Fortunately, as the most popular torrenting client, there’s hardly a lack of seeders to share files on uTorrent and maintain reliable speeds for everyone on the network.

uTorrent lets you schedule downloads ahead of time. For example, you can upload a .torrent file while at the office and instruct uTorrent to download it several hours later when you connect to your home’s WiFi network.

I was able to control my upload and download speeds to conserve bandwidth when using uTorrent. By default, after downloading a torrent on uTorrent, you automatically become a seeder uploading the files for other users on the network. Capping the data upload speed helped me conserve bandwidth when sharing files.

(Image credit: Future)

uTorrent supports remote access, which allows you to manage your torrenting activities from external devices. For example, I was able control downloads on a home computer from my smartphone while at work.

During testing, I enjoyed uTorrent’s light performance despite its many features. It’s not a memory hog that strains your PC’s resources and causes its fans to run at full speed. Instead, it’s a lightweight app with a hardly noticeable impact on your PC’s performance.

With uTorrent, you can download content while seamlessly handling other activities on your web browser or desktop apps.

uTorrent’s Android app is similar to its desktop app. It offers light performance, advanced features, impressive download speeds, and a simple user interface. You can use this Android app to control uTorrent on your PC and other devices.

A drawback I observed with uTorrent is the presence of ads on the basic version. These ads are distracting and, occasionally, users get ads for grey apps flagged by virus scanners. You should exercise caution when interacting with ads on uTorrent.

uTorrent: Interface and in-use

uTorrent has a modern, responsive interface that beats most torrenting clients. Its sleek interface spots a white or dark background (adjustable) with features brightly highlighted with contrasting colors.

The features are neatly arranged on the left, and the main menu is on the right. The buttons to add new torrents and begin downloading are boldly displayed on the main menu, so you can quickly find and switch between different features.

uTorrent is easy for a non-technical person to use. It performs excellently in the user-friendliness criterion, which isn’t the case for some torrenting platforms.

uTorrent: Security

Security is paramount when downloading torrents, as ISPs and other third-parties often seek to identify and block users. uTorrent has many security features to protect users from data leaks and cyber threats.

The Pro version comes with an integrated virus scanner. It scans every .torrent file for viruses and alerts you if any are detected. This feature is crucial because .torrent files are a common vector for introducing malware. It protects your PC from potential damage from viruses.

It’s advisable to turn on a VPN to encrypt your traffic before downloading torrents, which I did. This encrypts your torrenting data from third-parties, like ISPs, that want to snoop on it. The Pro + VPN feature includes an annual subscription to CyberGhost VPN. This VPN offers fast servers across the globe, letting you choose the most convenient location for different use cases.

If you already have a VPN, you can get the Pro version instead of the Pro + VPN version. Any reliable VPN will encrypt your uTorrent activities and prevent prying eyes.

uTorrent: Final Verdict

We can confidently call uTorrent one of the best torrenting clients you can choose. It’s not all rosy, as the basic version includes distracting ads and lacks the integrated virus scanner of the Pro version. However, when you exercise caution, uTorrent is one of the best apps for downloading content at impressive speeds.

We list the best free torrent client.

TechRadar is dedicated to helping you choose the best software tools. Hence, I reviewed one of the most popular torrent clients to help you decide if it’s worthwhile.

You might have heard of Vuze, formerly called Azureus. Its name frequently appears when people search for torrenting clients on Google and across the web. I tested the app extensively to judge whether it lives up to its fame. Read on to learn about its features, pricing, security, user-friendliness, and other crucial factors.

Vuze: Pricing

I’ve tested endless torrenting clients, and many of them are completely free. However, Vuze is not. It has a free version that includes ads (which I often found annoying), but an ad-free interface requires paying $3.99 monthly for Vuze Plus.

To be fair, Vuze Plus includes other features like DVD burning and the ability to play media files while they’re still downloading. Yet, I’m not a fan of paying for a torrenting client when many free alternatives are available.

Vuze: Versions

Vuze is available on the three major desktop operating systems: Windows, macOS, and Linux. But, something feels odd about this app. It was officially released in 2017, and development seems to have stalled since then.

Vuze used to have an Android app available on the Play Store, but I checked endlessly for it and found none. The app was removed from the Play Store for unclear reasons, making it only accessible by directly downloading the APK file. I think the APK process is too much work for the average user.

(Image credit: Future)Vuze: Features

Vuze is a feature-rich torrenting client whether you’re using the free or paid version. The free version includes a search bar to find torrents right from the app. This feature is important because many torrenting clients don’t provide help in finding .torrent files to download. Instead, you’ll have to visit an external site to get the files.

The search feature is split into a torrent search and web search. The former encompasses .torrent files stored on Vuze’s database, and the latter helps you find .torrent files across the web. For instance, if you search for Jazz music, you can view torrent files for them across the web or the results directly from Vuze’s database.

If you have the relevant .torrent file already installed on your PC, you can add it to Vuze and begin the download. The .torrent file contains the metadata of the larger file you want to download, and Vuze quickly begins the process.

You can also download torrents via their magnet links, which are hyperlinks containing the metadata of the relevant file. Paste this link into Vuze, and it’ll quickly begin downloading the file.

Likewise, users can download files by providing the torrent hash. I liked that Vuze offers flexible ways to discover and download .torrent files. I encountered variable speeds when downloading content from this app. Some files downloaded much faster than others, likely due to the availability of more seeders for those files.

(Image credit: Future)

Seeding in torrenting is the process of uploading a file for other users. When you download any content on Vuze, you automatically become a seeder uploading that same content for other users. That’s how the network maintains enough capacity to offer reliable downloads for users. Uploading content can consume considerable bandwidth, so Vuze lets you cap your upload speed to conserve bandwidth.

Though downloading the APK file for the Android app seemed tedious, I had to do it to provide a rigorous review. After setting it up, I used it to control torrent downloads on my PC. The Android app lets you start, stop, and pause downloads remotely from any location. For instance, you can be at work and control downloads on your home PC.

I enjoyed testing Vuze Plus even if I wish I didn’t have to pay for the extra features. It includes a built-in DVD player that lets users play media directly while downloading. I couldn’t wait to watch my favorite movie when downloading, so I had to press that play button.

Vuze Plus also removes ads, which I mostly found distracting. I’m not a fan of ads, so maybe that’s why I found them annoying. However, I think an average user can easily tolerate and ignore the ads on the free Vuze version.

Vuze has an outstanding feature called Swarm Discoveries. This feature searches for similar content based on what you've previously downloaded on Vuze, akin to an algorithm recommending related content to download. It recommends related content that you may enjoy, helping you discover the best movies, music, and more at no cost.

Vuze: Interface and in-use

I didn’t have issues navigating Vuze’s interface on the desktop and Android apps. It’s a well-designed app with a modern, sleek interface. The features are arranged on the left, and the main dashboard is on the right.

Vuze is a lightweight app that didn’t consume significant computing resources, which I can’t say for many torrenting clients. Some clients I’ve tested hijacked my PC’s resource space and left little room for other apps, but not Vuze.

However, I think Vuze has a steep learning curve for the average person. You’ll likely need some time to get used to its numerous features.

Vuze: Security

Security is paramount when using any torrenting client. ISPs don’t like torrenting and often want to identify users downloading torrents. Hence, you should switch on a VPN before downloading torrents to protect yourself from third-party snooping.

I liked that Vuze Plus has a built-in antivirus scanner (based on Bitdefender). This tool scans all incoming torrents for viruses and alerts you if any are detected. It’s vital, given that torrents are a common vector through which malicious actors spread malware.

Vuze: Final Verdict

I enjoyed Vuze’s feature richness and user-friendliness. I have some complaints, such as the free version including distracting ads, but we don’t always get what we want. Overall, I’ll recommend Vuze as a torrenting solution for everyone.

We've listed the best free torrent client.

DrayTek Vigor2865Lax-5G: 2-minute review

DrayTek keeps raising the bar for small-to-medium business networks with powerful routers and cutting-edge features. The Vigor2865Lax-5G is the newest member of the (extended) 2865 family, adding to the multi-WAN flexibility with a built-in dual SIM quad-antenna 5G/4G LTE modem for the fastest possible mobile broadband.

We have previously reviewed the DrayTek Vigor2865ax (with similar specs but no 5G) and found it excellent. The Lax-5G model has a few key feature upgrades, but also retains (almost) everything that we liked about the 2865 series. For a start, you get a VDSL2 modem with 35b Supervectoring and ADSL2+ backward compatibility, so you can still pull up to 300 Mbps from a fiber-to-the-node line.

There’s also a switchable Gigabit Ethernet WAN/LAN port, plus a USB 2.0 socket for extra 4G/3G fallback, a printer, storage or even a temperature sensor.

Of course, where the 2865Lax-5G really stands out is the inclusion of a dual Nano-SIM slot and an integrated Cat 19 5G/LTE modem. You can set it up as a backup with automatic failover or load balancing between other connections, including VDSL and WAN.

Wireless performance remains the same as the 2865ax, with AX3000-class Wi-Fi 6 radios running 2×2 MU-MIMO with dual antennas. That gives you up to 2,402 Mbps on 5 GHz and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz. While we would have liked to have seen a Wi-Fi 6GHz 6E or 7 update, we respect the decision to keep it simple and reduce costs. Especially since the router is best networked to an array of Wi-Fi access points, and in fact DrayTek also sells the router as a 2865L-5G model with no Wi-Fi at all.

Under the hood you’ll find hardware acceleration to keep multi-WAN traffic and encrypted tunnels from becoming a bottleneck. Like the 2865ax, IPsec throughput can hit 800 Mbps and SSL VPN sessions manage 130 Mbps. With up to 32 VPN tunnels (including 16 SSL VPN) available, the router makes it easy for remote teams to tap into their company's main network.

This router maintains the series’ robust feature set: support for 16 VLANs and eight LAN subnets, a high-performance firewall with content filtering and QoS, plus zero-touch management of up to 20 DrayTek access points and 10 switches. If you run the VigorACS 3 network management software, you also get SD-WAN orchestration for even smarter traffic routing.

So the spec is good, but how is it to actually use in the real world? Setup was straightforward, and I always enjoy using DrayTek’s plain but robust web interface. As expected, wired performance is rock-solid, and in our tests Wi-Fi throughput peaked at around 578 Mbps at close range, tapering to roughly 377 Mbps at ten meters.

Using the 5G connection we saw maximum downlink speeds of 304 Mbps, with uplink around 121 Mbps – though keep in mind that this is highly dependent on your 5G service provider, cellular bands used, signal strength and the capabilities of the cellular tower you are connected to. While the modem itself is capable of very high speeds in theory, it’s connected into the router via USB 2.0, which limits the maximum throughput to about 400 Mbps.

All told, I was quite impressed with the Vigor2865Lax-5G. Sure, there are little niggles that I expand on further down, but it does manage to combine the 2865 series’ enterprise-grade routing and security with the flexibility of high-performance 5G. So all in all, I think it’s an excellent choice for businesses that need cutting-edge mobile broadband along with a lot of flexibility.

DrayTek Vigor2865Lax-5G: Price & availability

The Vigor2865Lax-5G looks like a standard router without the 5G antennas installed (Image credit: Future)

• How much does it cost? $799 / £699 / AU$1,250
• When is it out? Available now
• Where can you get it? Stocked in most major markets including the US, UK and Australia

The DrayTek Vigor2865Lax-5G isn’t always the easiest to find, but head to your local DrayTek website (or your country's authorized reseller) for more info on local purchase options.

While comparatively easy to find in Australia and the UK, the Vigor2865Lax-5G is harder to buy in the US and at times has been unavailable.

There’s not a huge amount of competition in the 5G-capable VDSL2 modem-router space, but overall the Vigor2865Lax-5G is priced well against similar products.

• Value: 4 / 5

DrayTek Vigor2865Lax-5G: Specifications

Cellular: Rx Cat 19, Tx Cat 18 5G/4G LTE
Antenna: 4 external LTE/5G, 2x external Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi: 802.11ax 2×2 MU-MIMO
Interfaces: 1x GbE WAN/LAN, 4x GbE LAN, 1x RJ-11, 1x USB 2.0
Wireless Speed: 2.4 GHz up to 574 Mbps, 5 GHz up to 2402 Mbps
Dimensions: 241 × 145 × 44 mm
Weight: 650 g

DrayTek Vigor2865Lax-5G: Design

The Vigor2865Lax-5G puts most of the status LEDs and wired port interfaces on the front (Image credit: Future)

• Four external magnetic 5G antennas
• Wall and rack mountable
• Easy to access front ports

The DrayTek Vigor2865Lax-5G looks just like the rest of the 2865 series, albeit with a few minor differences and the addition of the cellular antennas. The router puts all the ports and status LEDs on the front, while the antennas, SIM card slot and power are at the rear.

The cellular antennas can be mounted directly to the router, but space is tight, or they can use the included bases with 100 cm cables. The bases are solidly weighted and include a magnet and are easy to spread out and securely attach to metal surfaces.

The SIM card slot has a cover secured by two screws, and once removed, the tray can be pressed to release and it pops out. The SIMs themselves sit on each side of the tray. Note that there is no eSIM support.

The power connector, Wi-Fi antennas, 5G antenna connections and sim card slot are all on the rear (Image credit: Future)

The 2865Lax-5G is powered by the included 12V, 3A PSU. It can be wall mounted using the attachment points on the underside and includes two screws for this. Alternatively, it can be rack-mounted with the optional DR101 rack-mount bracket.

You also get an RJ11 and RJ45 cable in the box. Other optional accessories include an external USB thermometer for temperature monitoring and alternate Wi-Fi antennas.

Overall, the design is good, with everything easily accessible but not unnecessarily showy for a device that will likely be out of sight.

• Design: 4 / 5

DrayTek Vigor2865Lax-5G: Features

The Vigor2865Lax-5G web interface is comprehensive yet laid out in an easy to use way (Image credit: Future)

• Dual SIM cellular modem
• VDSL2 modem
• Flexible multi-WAN management

The key design goal of the Vigor2865Lax-5G is flexibility, with its combination of 5G connectivity, a VDSL2 modem, fast Wi-Fi and loads of management options. The need for a VDSL modem varies, but for businesses (or remote offices) without fiber, being able to extract the most from a VDSL connection is critical. With 35b Supervectoring, the router can handle up to 300 Mbps over VDSL, making it ideal for those still reliant on fiber-to-the-node or copper-based services. The inclusion of ADSL2+ compatibility is also great, as it gives useful support for legacy connections.

Of course, what sets the Lax-5G apart is its integrated 5G modem and dual Nano-SIM slots, which offer native mobile broadband support without the need for USB dongles. The modem’s 5G connection is rated for a maximum NSA (non-standalone) downlink rate of 3400 Mbps, with an uplink of 550 Mbps. For standalone (SA) 5G, it is rated for 2400 Mbps downlink and 900 Mbps uplink. It uses the 5G bands n1, n20, n28, n3, n38, n40, n5, n7, n77, n78 and n8. Supporting both NSA and SA 5G means the router is relatively future-proof, as it can operate entirely on 5G as needed.

For LTE (4G), you get category 19 for downlinks (up to 1600 Mbps) and Cat 18 for uplinks (up to 200 Mbps). It supports FDD (Frequency Division Duplexing) bands 1 (2100MHz), 20 (800MHz), 28 (700MHz), 3 (1800MHz), 5 (850MHz), 7 (2600MHz), 8 (900MHz), plus TDD (Time Division Duplexing) bands 38 (2600MHz), 40 (2300MHz), as well as WCDMA (3G) bands 1 and 8.

While the cellular modem here is excellent, with the latest technology, it is connected internally in the router via USB 2.0, which will limit throughput to under 400 Mbps. But more on that later. The Vigor2865Lax-5G also supports sending and receiving SMS, using SMS for hotspot verification, as well as sending SMS alerts for status changes, such as loss of WAN or VDSL connection.

While the router accepts dual SIMs, only one can be used at a time, but they can be set to failover. This is ideal as a backup when relying on cellular, as you can have services from two providers. It also allows flexibility if traveling between areas with varying coverage. You can even add an external USB 4G/5G dongle as an entire extra backup mobile connection that can run at the same time as the built-in 5G connection, including using load sharing.

The cellular connections can also be managed alongside the other internet options, so the router can maintain internet access via VDSL, Ethernet WAN or 5G, with automatic failover and load balancing to switch between them as required. These capabilities are backed by robust traffic management tools like bandwidth limiting, QoS prioritization and advanced routing rules. Not to mention, you can still add in an extra USB 4G dongle for a secondary backup mobile connection.

Image 1 of 3

The rear card slot takes two SIMs (one on each side of the holder) (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 3

The 5G antennas can can be position at various angles to maximize the connection speed (Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 3

The 5G antennas have a weighted magnet base, so can be easily position in a variety of ways (Image credit: Future)

Wi-Fi is handled by an AX3000-spec dual-band radio supporting Wi-Fi 6. While you don’t get access to the 6GHz band, it’s still enough for excellent wireless performance. Plus, the router also supports wireless WAN modes and mesh networking, and is ideally set up to act as a central manager of additional DrayTek access points.

As always, DrayTek’s overall ecosystem approach is a major benefit. The 2865Lax-5G can manage up to 20 Vigor access points and 10 switches, making it an ideal base for expanding small to medium business networks with simplified, centralized control. The USB port also adds further flexibility by supporting external devices such as printers, temperature sensors or storage drives.

To ensure top-notch performance, the Vigor2865Lax-5G incorporates hardware acceleration to maximize routing and VPN throughput. Dual-WAN configurations get the benefit of up to 1.3 Gbps of NAT throughput, and IPsec VPN sessions can hit up to 800 Mbps. The idea here is that even when combining VDSL, 5G, and Ethernet WAN, network traffic won’t hit any major internal bottlenecks.

Like the rest of the 2865 series, the Lax-5G includes a comprehensive array of business-focused features. These range from an advanced captive hotspot portal with custom landing page options, to a full-featured firewall, web content filtering and secure remote access via SSL or IPsec VPNs.

The online Draytek Vigor ACS 3 demo is a good way to see if this management option is the right fit for your business (Image credit: Future)

One of the key features of the Vigor2865Lax-5G for business users is its ability to manage a wider DrayTek-based network. Directly through the router’s interface, you can control up to 20 Vigor access points and 10 Vigor switches, including support for mesh networks with up to seven wireless nodes. This makes it a strong foundation for small to medium-sized deployments that may need to scale over time.

Even before reaching a high number of devices, network management can start to feel complex. While the router supports TR-069 provisioning tools, DrayTek also offers a more advanced option in the form of VigorACS 3. This server-based management platform unlocks SD-WAN features on supported hardware, including the Vigor2865Lax-5G. SD-WAN is a practical choice for businesses with remote staff, offering secure and flexible access to company resources from home or while traveling.

There’s a lot to unpack, but overall the Vigor2865Lax-5G offers a well-rounded mix of modern wireless, fixed-line, and cellular connectivity in a single, business-ready device without jumping to enterprise price tiers.

But don’t take my word for it – the DrayTek website has online demos available that let you poke around the interface and explore the features yourself. I highly recommend you take a look, as I don’t have the space here to cover everything the 2865Lax-5G can do. Check out the 2865 series demo at http://eu.draytek.com:22865/.

DrayTek also makes it easy to give VigorACS a try, and buying a compatible device means you get a free 30-day trial. Or, if you want to take a look right now, there’s also an online demo.

• Features: 4.5 / 5

DrayTek Vigor2865Lax-5G: Performance

The Vigor2865Lax-5G has a variety of easy to read status lights on the front panel (Image credit: Future)

• Excellent failover and load balancing
• Useful hardware acceleration
• Decent performance for the spec

Getting the Vigor2865Lax-5G up and running was straightforward and entirely handled through the web interface. For basic setups it’s quick, but once you start digging into more advanced features, the interface does get dense. That said, DrayTek provides an excellent range of support materials, including detailed manuals, step-by-step guides and a knowledge base that is very helpful if you get stuck.

DrayTek also has an app available, and while I preferred the web interface, it lets you handle most of the setup and control, with some limitations for the more advanced configuration changes, diagnostics and firmware updates.

For hands-on testing, I slotted the 2865Lax-5G into a mixed network that included DrayTek access points, a Vigor switch, a NAS, IP cameras and a wide variety of connected devices. I tested with both 5G as the primary WAN, and as a backup, combined with a connection via the WAN port. The router handled multiple WAN sources without issue and automatic failover and load balancing worked as expected.

Testing in Australia, I used a Telstra data SIM on the 5G network with high signal strength. At peak, downloads reached 304 Mbps and uploads hit 121 Mbps, with latency averaging around 35 ms. I ran the 5G as my primary connection for a week, and had no issues at all, even with sustained high throughput. As mentioned earlier, the cellular modem uses an internal USB 2.0 connection, which limits the maximum bandwidth to no more than about 400 Mbps. Considering the modem is capable of much more, this is a potential bottleneck for the future, but in the real world right now not many setups would sustain more than this anyway. Load balancing across 5G and WAN during this test worked reliably, with the router distributing traffic as needed.

The Vigor2865Lax-5G includes a 1Gbps LAN/WAN port, plus 4x 1 GbE ports and an RJ11 DSL port (Image credit: Future)

Wi-Fi performance was solid overall. Mesh setup with other DrayTek access points was fast using the built-in wizard. Once connected, mesh handover between nodes worked well. At short range on a Wi-Fi 7 laptop, I measured top speeds of 578 Mbps. Two internal walls dropped that down to 404 Mbps, and at a distance of ten meters it managed 377 Mbps.

That’s a respectable result for Wi-Fi 6, though not exceptional, and at longer range, performance was decent but nothing spectacular – likely due to the relatively low-gain stock antennas. For those who want to optimize wireless coverage, DrayTek offers optional higher-gain and directional patch antennas that can help improve the experience in more demanding spaces.

I also tested with large network file transfers, though these were capped by the speed of the Gigabit LAN ports. As the LAN/WAN port is also Gigabit Ethernet, the router won’t suit faster 1Gbps+ internet connections.

Overall, the Vigor2865Lax-5G handled everything I threw at it with aplomb, and there were no failures or even hiccups, to report. Bandwidth allocation, VPN tunnels, VLAN separation and WAN prioritization all worked exactly as described and managing the wider test network of DrayTek devices through the 2865’s interface was straightforward.

Of course, getting the router set up the way you want takes time, but once configured, the Vigor2865Lax-5G is a workhorse, and gives stable multi-WAN connectivity with the added benefit of built-in 5G for backups and in the field connections.

• Performance: 4 / 5

DrayTek Vigor2865Lax-5G: Final verdict

The Vigor2865Lax-5G is a capable and well-rounded router that brings built-in 5G to the already versatile 2865 router series. For businesses without access to fiber, or those needing a reliable backup or mobile WAN option, the combination of VDSL2, Ethernet WAN, 5G and even USB 4G fallback makes it a very flexible option.

While some of the hardware is not cutting-edge, performance is solid overall with no issues encountered during testing. Hardware acceleration gives the router enough throughput to comfortably handle high network usage, VPN connections, load balancing and a range of management and QoS options without choking under pressure. It is limited by its Gigabit-only ports, so it will not suit offices with multi-gigabit fiber plans, but for typical SME use cases, it has more than enough headroom.

It’s important to reiterate that the 2865Lax-5G works best when used as part of a wider DrayTek setup. With support for managing access points, switches and full integration with the VigorACS management platform, it becomes a practical core device for branch offices, mobile sites, or retail networks. SD-WAN functionality, VPN policy control and centralized monitoring all add significant value for those who need a lot of flexibility.

DrayTek continues to deliver strong support and the router is backed by extensive online documentation, setup guides and a responsive help site, which makes it easier to unlock the full range of features. While the web interface and app are not exactly glamorous, both are reliable, easy-to-use interfaces with excellent depth of control.

There are some limits to be aware of, like the lack of multi-gig ports, USB 2.0 connections and old Wi-Fi 6 spec, but these are understandable trade-offs at this price point. So if your business needs dependable, multi-WAN connectivity and 5G as part of its network, the Vigor2865Lax-5G delivers exactly what it promises with very little fuss.

Should you buy the DrayTek Vigor2865Lax-5G?

Value

Well priced for the fairly unique set of features

4 / 5

Design

Simple yet effective

4 / 5

Features

Loads of business-focused features that give excellent management and internet redundancy options

4.5 / 5

Performance

Some limits due to the hardware chosen but well suited to its target audience.

4 / 5

Overall

A versatile modem-router that will suit small to medium businesses with varied networking needs

4 / 5

Buy it if...

You need a fast primary or backup 5G connection
The dual SIM 5G makes for very cheap yet versatile backups, or enables high-speed connections where there are no wired options.

Your business uses an FTTN or copper-based connection
The built-in modem with 35b Supervectoring support means you can max out the VDSL speeds, while ADSL2+ backward compatibility is still surprisingly important in many regions.

Don't buy it if...

You don’t need the VDSL modem
For those who want the 5G and the other WAN options, but don’t need the built-in DSL modem, consider options like the DrayTek Vigor2927Lax-5G instead.

You don't need a cellular connection
Having built-in 5G backup is fantastic, but if you don’t need it, then the DrayTek Vigor2865ax has all the same features (minus the cellular connection) for half the price.

We tested out the best mesh routers for helping you stay connected.

Bosch Series 6 air fryer: one-minute review

German manufacturer Bosch has been a long-standing name in home appliances since it released its first refrigerator back in 1933. So, it's no surprise that the company finally took the plunge into the lucrative air fryer market with the release of the Bosch Series 6 Air Fryer.

You'd perhaps forgive Bosch for having some teething issues with its first-ever air, but the Series 6 has very few. Instead of prioritizing a surplus of extra cooking programs, modes, and features, the Series 6 offers a more streamlined experience, focusing on the quality of life features and cooking programs the average user needs rather than unnecessary add-ons.

The Bosch Series 6 doesn't have dozens of modes, but those it does offer produced consistently good results (Image credit: Vic Hood)

There are eight cooking programs, which cover the most typical food types cooked in an air fryer: Keep Warm, French Fries, Poultry, Meat, Fish, Vegetables, Bread, and Small Pastries (because who doesn't love an air-fried croissant?) We found each program to cook food consistently well, though some tweaking may be required for taste, especially when it comes to meats.

These programs are straightforward to use thanks to the air fryer's clear touch controls, while a handful of quality-of-life features make the Series 6 a joy to use. Its illuminated drawer and window allow you to check food without letting out heat, its Shake alert lets out clear, loud chirps, and its included grill rack and skewers allow you to grill food with ease. It's also generally easy to clean with minimal elbow grease and fairly compact given its 7.2-liter capacity.

The included grill rack and skewers make cooking easy (Image credit: Vic Hood)

While the Series 6 is a great appliance overall, it's not perfect. It's one of the louder air fryers this reviewer has tested (hitting 68dB in some cases), and removing the aforementioned metal grill rack and skewers from the basket safely can prove a bit of a struggle. We'd also have loved for the aforementioned grill rack to be securable within the basket to prevent rubbing on the non-stick plate. We also found that it struggled to balance keeping chicken moist inside while crispy outside.

These are minor issues, however, and the Bosch Series 6 Air Fryer provides an excellent experience otherwise. Though it is perhaps more suited to smaller households or those who only wish to cook one food item at a time.

Bosch Series 6 air fryer: price and availability

• Price: £159.99 (roughly $212.58 / AU$329.16)
• Available in the UK, but not available in the US and Australia
• Regular discounts bring it down to around £100

The Bosch Series 6 Air Fryer offers top-tier quality for its budget price tag. At £159.99 (roughly $212.58 / AU$329.16), it costs £40 less than our current best budget air fryer, the Russell Hobbs Satisfry Dual Basket Air Fryer (though it offers less capacity), and is considerably more affordable than premium options, such as the Ninja Double Oven and Dreo ChefMaker.

Unfortunately, this appliance isn't currently available in the U.S. or Australia, but those in the UK can purchase it from Bosch directly or a range of trusted third-party retailers, such as Argos and Amazon.

If its current price tag is a little over your budget, don't fret. Regular discounts at Bosch and other retailers see this air fryer's price dropping to around the £100 mark, saving you nearly £60 on the usual RRP.

• Value score: 5/5

Bosch Series 6 air fryer: specifications

Review model

MAF671B1GB

Number of baskets

1

Number of cooking programs

8

Cooking programs

Bread, Fish, French Fries, Keep Warm, Meat, Small Pastries, Poultry, Vegetables

Extra functions

Shake signal

Smart control

No

Wattage

1,800W

Capacity

7.6 quarts / 7.2 liters

Temperature range

104F-392F / 40C-200C

Time range

1 min-2 hours, up to 8 hours on keep warm or 40C-80C

Dimensions (including handles)

12.4 x 12.2 x 15.3in / 314 x 309 x 388mm

Dishwasher-safe

Yes

Weight

13lbs / 5.9kg

Bosch Series 6 air fryer: design

• 7.2-liter capacity, but fairly combat
• Illuminated drawer basket with window
• Removable handle
• Comes with metal grill rack and five skewers

The Bosch Series 6 offers a 7.2L capacity in a relatively compact design (compared to its competitors). The body of this air fryer is glossy black, with a silver rim around the top, a single drawer basket, and a removable handle. The touchscreen interface is easy to use, with the temperature adjustable in five-degree intervals.

The drawer is illuminated, meaning a light (which you can turn off and on at the touch of a button) comes on when you remove it, and thanks to an oven-like window, you can easily check your food without stopping the cooking process.

The drawer is illuminated, and the fryer has a clear window so you can check on your food during cooking (Image credit: Vic Hood)

The included physical user manual is thorough, making it easy to set up and use this appliance – even if you're a beginner. A physical food guide is also included, which provides a rough cooking guide and tips for each of the air fryer's eight programs. We do wish the food guide were slightly more detailed and included more food types, especially when it comes to cooking vegetables.

The food guide does come with a QR code, though, that leads you to a Quick Start Guide that features a handful of excellent recipes for this specific air fryer. We just wish there were more of them.

The basket and its crisper plate are dishwasher-safe, though we generally prefer to hand-wash anything with a non-stick coating (Image credit: Vic Hood)

This air fryer also comes with a metal grill rack accessory and five skewers that fit into the grill rack. These are a welcome addition for grilling, but we found removing the hot grill rack difficult after cooking due to the depth of the basket and its metal design. We also wish the grill rack could be locked into the basket's plate to avoid it moving around and potentially damaging the plate's non-stick coating long-term.

While the 7.2L basket is a bit bulky, it's easy to hand wash with minimal elbow grease – though, inside the window is slightly trickier to reach. Fortunately, the basket and its plate are dishwasher-proof, though we at TechRadar tend to recommend hand washing anything with a non-stick coat.

The main design drawback of this air fryer is its volume. We logged a max 68dB reading when the appliance was running at its maximum temperature, making it loud enough that we couldn't hear our kitchen TV and could hear it from our living room next door. This is particularly loud for an air fryer (based on those we've tested) and several decibels louder than the 63dB Bosch claims.

• Design score: 4/5

Bosch Series 6 air fryer: performance

• Quality performance across cooking programs
• Useful Shake alert
• Some foods could be crispier

We found the Bosch Series 6 air fryer performed consistently well across its eight cooking programs: Bread, Fish, French Fries, Keep Warm, Meat, Small Pastries, Poultry, and Vegetables.

We started our testing with 500g of frozen fries , utilizing the air fryer's French Fries preset, while tweaking the time slightly as recommended by the food guide. After 23 minutes, we had fairly evenly cooked fries (a couple were slightly over for my taste), but overall, the fries were fluffy inside and golden outside.

Image 1 of 2

A couple of the frozen fries were slightly overdone for my liking, but for the most part they were golden and crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside (Image credit: Vic Hood)Image 2 of 2

Home-made fries turned out well too, and unlike some other air fryers, the Bosch didn't burn the ends (Image credit: Vic Hood)

Following the frozen fries, we tried 700g of handmade fries, soaked and with one tablespoon of oil, on the same setting, using the exact preset time and temperature. Again, the fries were fluffy inside and golden outside but could have been a little crispier. Unlike other air fryers, however, the Bosch Series 6 didn't leave our fries with overdone ends – a common issue we've encountered with testing.

Next, we tested the grill and skewer accessories. We loaded up each of the five skewers with chicken, onion, tomato, and peppers – but may have overloaded them a little as the five skewers struggled to fit beside each other. My advice: make sure your cuts of veggies and meat are smaller to avoid this.

Make sure the meat and vegetable pieces threaded onto the skewers aren't too large (Image credit: Vic Hood)

The skewers sit on indents in the grill rack, which is placed in the basket. We've mentioned our issues with the grill rack generally, but despite the overcrowding, we found our skewers cooked well on the Poultry preset, though some of the vegetables were becoming overdone and the chicken slightly overdone, so we had to remove them a few minutes early. You likely need to adjust this timing based on what you skewer.

We also tried cooking a couple of chicken breasts on the grill rack (with some seasoning and a tablespoon of oil) on the Poultry preset. They came out slightly dry and with not quite enough crisp on the outside for our taste, but overall very tasty.

Image 1 of 2

Chicken turned out tender, though the outside wasn't quite as crisp as I would have liked (Image credit: Vic Hood)Image 2 of 2

Chicken turned out tender, though the outside wasn't quite as crisp as I would have liked (Image credit: Vic Hood)

We had this same crisping issue with drumsticks prepared using a Bosch recipe and dry-rubbed wings (my go-to Cosori recipe), both cooked well and were juicy inside, but the skin didn't crisp up quite enough. The pre-baked petit pains we cooked on the Bread preset, too were soft inside, but not quite crunchy enough outside.

The Bosch recipes are a great starting point for this air fryer, and we particularly enjoyed its roasted cauliflower and egg omelette muffin recipes (both turned out perfect). The apple turnover recipe, while very tasty, resulted in turnovers with overly soggy bottoms – though that's likely down to chef error on my part.

Image 1 of 3

Roasted cauliflower turned out brilliantly (Image credit: Vic Hood)Image 2 of 3

Bosch's recipe for omelette muffins was a success as well (Image credit: Vic Hood)Image 3 of 3

Apple turnover wasn't such a success, but that may have been due to user error (Image credit: Vic Hood)

Other presets may require some tweaking of the timings. Sausages on the Beef preset were slightly underdone after seven minutes, which may be down to the fact that they were chunky Cumberlands.

Vegetables, too, like most air fryers, require some experimentation. The food guide isn't very detailed on how long to cook certain vegetables and just covers "Grilled Vegetables." While this was the perfect preset for my chantanay carrots, my broccoli, onions and peppers needed to be removed early to avoid becoming too charred. Again, this is something we've encountered with several air fryers.

Image 1 of 1

Our sausages were a little underdone at the end of the cooking time, but that may be because they were particularly chunky (Image credit: Vic Hood)

Now, if you've read our air fryer reviews before, you'll know we love an air fryer that can bake. The Bosch Series 6 can manage that feat for small cakes and muffins, so we used our usual Ninja muffin recipe with the Muffin preset to test its capabilities. It was perhaps the best result I've had for this test, with the muffins perfectly golden on top, not too dry inside, and little to no overspill.

Overall, the Bosch Series 6 performs brilliantly; however, you may need to experiment a bit to get the right balance of crispness and doneness for certain foods.

• Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Bosch Series 6 air fryer?Bosch Series 6 Air Fryer report card

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

This air fryer is excellent value for its price tag, and thanks to regular sales, you can pick it up for closer to £100.

5/5

Design

The design is pretty compact for its 7.2L capacity, plus it's easy to use and clean. While the accompanying grill rack and skewers are welcome accessories, we wish they could lock into the basket plate and were easier to remove after cooking. This is also one of the louder air fryers we've reviewed.

4/5

Performance

Performance across all eight cooking programs is solid, though some foods could be slightly crispier on the outside. You may need to experiment a bit for optimal results on certain presets.

4.5/5

Buy it if

You want a decent capacity air fryer, but haven't space for a dual-basket

The Bosch Series 6's 7.2L capacity is pretty sizeable, and while it's not compact enough to be counted as a small air fryer, it's nowhere near as big as some competitors. Plus, the handles are detachable, making it slightly easier to store.

You're looking for a solid, budget air fryer

With its £159.99 price tag, the Bosch Series 6 is already great value for money, but regular discounts see that price knocked down to roughly £100, making it an ideal choice for those on a £100 budget.

You want a streamlined air frying experience

The Bosch Series 6 is a great entry-level air fryer for those who want a straightforward, streamlined experience. It comes with enough features to make it pleasant to use without overwhelming you with extras.

Don't buy it if

You want to cook more than one food at once

The Bosch Series 6's capacity means you can fit a decent amount of food in, but if you've got a larger household that plans to make larger quantities or food or you want to cook more than one type of food at once, you may struggle with this.

You want a bunch of extras

This is down to personal preference. While this air fryer comes with a grill rack, it only air fries, and the cooking programs cover the basics. If you want features like smart control, synced cooking, or different cooking modes (like grilling and steaming), then this may not be the best choice for you.

How I tested the Bosch Series 6 air fryer

I used the Bosch Series 6 air fryer for a week, cooking a wide variety of foods including fries, sausages, fresh vegetables, and pastries. I tested all the air fryer's various modes and cleaned the air fryer in line with the instructions provided in the manual. For more details, see how we test, rate, and review products at TechRadar.

Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 : One minute review

The Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 is a very capable projector. It comes in one of the more stylish designs I’ve seen for this class of projector, separating itself even from the latest group of more design-conscious models.

The Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 features a powerful RGB laser projection system that beams a bright enough picture for use in different environments. Its color is excellent, and it benefits from an optical zoom for more flexible placement.

For gamers, the VisionMaster Pro 2 can switch to a low-latency mode or even drop down to 1080p resolution to run at 240Hz. Alas, its speakers don’t quite live up to the visual performance, but that’s typical even for the best projectors.

All that capability comes at a price, with the VisionMaster Pro 2 listed for $2,999. This places it on the high end for this type of compact enthusiast home projector, even surpassing the Hisense C2 Ultra, which is nearly as capable and features an integrated gimbal stand and an additional speaker. Because of that, I’d point most people to the Hisense instead, but the VisionMaster Pro 2 still has the edge in terms of connectivity and looks, and it doesn’t disappoint when it comes to picture quality.

Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 review: Price & release date

Valerion's remote control is larger and more polished-looking than the ones you’ll typically find on Android and Google TV projectors (Image credit: Future)

• Release date: December 2024
• Price: $2,999

The Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 was released at the end of 2024. It launched with a price of $2,999, but has seen some discounts since then, including the July Amazon Prime Day sales event, where it dropped to the $2,599 range. The VisionMaster Pro 2 is available directly from Valerion as well as from Amazon.

Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 review: Specs

Screen sizes supported:

40-300 inches

Brightness (specified):

3,300 ISO lumens

HDR support:

Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG

Optical technology:

Three-laser DLP

Smart TV:

Google TV

Connections:

2x HDMI 2.1, 1x HDMI 2.0 (with eARC), 1x USB-A 3.0, 1x USB-A 2.0, Ethernet, 3.5mm audio out, optical digital audio out

Dimensions (H x W x D):

7.30 x 10.20 x 9.20 inches

Weight:

15.4 pounds

A mute switch is provided on the projector's top surface for turning off the built-in mic used for Google voice commands (Image credit: Future)Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 review: Design & features

The projector's extensive connections include two HDMI 2.1 ports plus a third with HDMI eARC support (Image credit: Future)

• Elegant design with a simple kickstand
• Built-in speakers and Google TV
• Optical zoom

The Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 is gorgeously built. It has a metal chassis with ribs wrapping all around the sides and top of the device, giving it the appearance of a metal heat sink. The front and back are simpler, flat slabs of what feels like high-quality plastic (almost to the point that it could be glass).

Interestingly, Valerion includes a cover on the back to conceal its ports. This does give it a cleaner look, but only when it’s not in use, as you can’t even plug in the power if the cover is in place.

The VisionMaster Pro 2 includes a simple, heavy-duty foot underneath near the front that can prop it up to adjust the angle, and the back has two more little feet that can screw out to adjust the tilt. This isn’t quite as useful as the gimbal stands found on some competitors like the Hisense C2 Ultra, but Valerion does sell a quality metal unit of its own (a $139 option) that can attach to the VisionMaster Pro 2 and give it full-range tilting capabilities, and even the option to flip completely upside-down — helpful if you’re doing a mantel or bookshelf placement).

While the gimbal or foot can help adjust the projection somewhat, the projector’s optical zoom can be even more useful. This lets the VisionMaster Pro 2 shift from a 0.9:1 throw ratio up to 1.5:1. The projector can perform plenty of automated setup adjustments, like focus, keystone correction, and obstacle avoidance as well.

The VisionMaster Pro 2 supports the Dolby Vision and HDR10+ high dynamic range formats and is IMAX Enhanced. The projector offers Wi-Fi 6E connectivity for fast and stable wireless networking, though Ethernet is also available.

For this class of projector, the VisionMaster Pro 2 has a surprising selection of ports. Where many competitors would offer just two HDMI ports, the VisionMaster Pro 2 has three: two HDMI 2.1 and one HDMI 2.0 with eARC support. There’s also a 3.5mm audio jack, an optical digital audio output, and two USB-A ports for data or powering dongles.

Like other laser projectors, the VisionMaster Pro 2 has an eye protection feature that is meant to dim the laser if someone stands in its path. But this feature proved incredibly inconsistent in my use. Sometimes the system's eye protection feature activates for no reason, and other times it's not nearly sensitive enough about things obviously out in front of it. Even when it seems to be working as intended, it’s rather slow to kick in.

To get up and running quickly, the projector offers Google TV and has a pair of built-in speakers, giving you everything you need to start streaming. And since this is the kind of projector you might take on the go, Valerion has included a carrying case made out of rigid styrofoam.

Valerion has put a bit of extra effort into its remote control, which is larger and more polished-looking than you’ll typically find on Android and Google TV projectors. It offers the standard navigation controls, a Google Assistant button, volume buttons, shortcuts to a handful of streaming services, and a dedicated input source button. There’s even some backlighting, but it doesn’t cover all of the buttons. The volume buttons are also not differentiated from a handful of other buttons, so you can’t just feel them out without also memorizing where they are.

The projector can also listen for voice commands, responding to a quick “Hey, Google.” And if you don’t want the projector to listen, there’s a mute switch on the top.

• Design & features score: 4/5

Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 review: Picture & sound quality

An RGB laser light engine gives the picture the potential for dazzling color (Image credit: Future)

• Bright and colorful picture
• Strong contrast
• Smooth-running operating system

The Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 beams an excellent-looking picture. It's plenty bright for even fairly well-lit rooms, though dark scenes don’t look as good. It also has strong contrast that can be further enhanced by changing some of the default picture settings.

The triple-laser light source has the same advantages I’ve seen from other projectors like the Hisense C2 Ultra and Hisense PX3-Pro, giving the picture the potential for truly dazzling color. The VisionMaster Pro 2 isn’t inclined to overdo the color in its main HDR and SDR picture presets, however, instead keeping it more balanced and natural.

Like many other projectors, the VisionMaster Pro 2 comes out of the box with some unfortunate motion smoothing enabled. This may serve to smooth out panning shots in movies, but it also introduces so many weird motion artifacts that it calls for disabling. The lowest motion setting, Film, avoids the most distracting artifacts while still looking smooth with camera movement. The projector also provides an option to customize the motion smoothing with two adjustable settings, letting you dial it in as you like.

Black levels are decently low, but not low enough that the letterbox bars in widescreen movies look truly black. But with a few tweaks to the settings, specifically enabling active contrast and dynamic laser luminance, the overall brightness can dim down for wonderfully deep black levels in dark scenes. This doesn’t play well with subtitles, however, as they’ll sometimes brighten the picture up.

The display is also up to snuff for gaming. It can deliver 4K 60Hz with reasonably low input lag in its game mode. And for those who want to really dial up the gaming performance, it can drop down to 1080p and run at up to 240Hz for ultra-smooth visuals.

Two adjustable feet can be used for tilt correction during setup (Image credit: Future)

The speakers inside the VisionMaster Pro 2 aren’t bad, putting out enough sound to fill a small room. They sound fairly full, too, but there’s little getting around the narrow soundstage they present. Even simple stereo sound isn’t presented well. And occasionally, deeper voices can sound a little resonant, giving them an unnatural quality.

One easy-to-overlook aspect of projector performance that the VisionMaster Pro 2 deserves credit for is its operating system. It runs Google TV like many other projectors, but appears to have a faster processor and more memory to help it run smoother than some of its competition. This makes it much easier to use the projector, whether you’re browsing Google TV or just want to quickly switch over to another input.

• Picture and sound quality score: 4/5

Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 review: Value

The projector's sturdy styrofoam case can be used for transport (Image credit: Future)

• Highly integrated package
• On the expensive end for projectors in this class
• All-in-one design enhances value

The Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 is expensive, but you get a lot for that money. It presents a more colorful and bigger image than most TVs, and compared to 100-inch TVs, it’s not so expensive. That said, it is on the expensive side for this category of projector. The Hisense C2 Ultra is just as pricey, though it has an integrated gimbal stand. It has also seen more discounts in the time since its launch than the VisionMaster Pro 2 has.

Still, the VisionMaster Pro 2 can do plenty. Its projection system is flexible, and it’s good for casual viewing in bright rooms, while delivering cinematic quality in dark rooms. You can opt for 4K with broad HDR support or zoom along at 1080p 240Hz for high-speed gaming. Also, having the Google TV smart TV system baked in never hurts, especially when it runs as smoothly as it does here.

It’s just a shame the VisionMaster Pro 2’s speakers aren’t better, and that it doesn’t come with a more adjustable stand.

• Value score: 4/5

Should I buy the Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2?

(Image credit: Future)Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 review

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design and features

Simple but elegant design, and packs plenty of features for a fully-integrated system. The remote could be better, as could the eye protection

4/5

Picture and sound quality

An excellent picture with plenty of tools to adjust it to your liking. It even runs Google TV well, but the speakers don’t keep up

4/5

Value

Faces the diminishing returns of high-end products, but is still a good value thanks to its ability to beam a huge, bright, and colorful image from an all-in-one device.

4/5

Buy it if...

You want a powerful and flexible
The VisionMaster Pro 2 has an excellent projection system. It beams brightly and has rich color and strong contrast. Thanks to its zoom lens, you should have an easier time placing it without having to crop the imageView Deal

You want a gaming projector
While the VisionMaster Pro 2 is fantastic for home cinema, it’s also strong for gaming. If you want a projector that can do both quite well, it has you covered.View Deal

You like your tech to be pretty
One thing that sets the VisionMaster Pro 2 apart is how elegant it looks. The metal chassis is something to behold, and the remote looks pretty classy as well. View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You’re not too picky about visuals
The VisionMaster Pro 2 provides an excellent picture, but it comes at a high price. If you don’t need all the brightness and color this projector offers, there are much cheaper models that can otherwise tick a lot of the same boxes.View Deal

You don’t care for Google TV
For some, Google TV will be an advantage. But if you don’t need it, the Hisense C2 Ultra offers just about everything that the VisionMaster Pro 2 does, has a few extra features (like a “subwoofer” and gimbal stand), and tends to be cheaper.View Deal

You want one projector to handle everything
The VisionMaster Pro 2 is brilliant as far as visuals go, and it even has a good, smooth-running streaming platform. But its speakers don;t come close to matching the projection quality.View Deal

Also considerComparison: portable projectors

Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2

BenQ GP520

Hisense C2 Ultra

JMGO N1S Pro 4K

Price:

$2,999

$1,499

$2,999

$1,999

Screen sizes supported:

40 to 300 inches

50 to 180 inches

65-300 inches

85 to 180 inches

Brightness (specified):

3,000 ISO lumens

2,600 lumens

3,000 lumens

2,400 lumens

HDR support

HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision

HDR10+, HLG

Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG

HDR10, HLG

Optical technology:

RGB Laser DLP

LED DLP

RGB Laser DLP

RGB Laser DLP

Smart TV:

Google TV

Google TV

Vidaa OS

Google TV

Connections:

2x HDMI 2.1, 1x HDMI 2.0 with eARC, 1x optical, 1x 3.5mm

2x HDMI 2.1 (1 with eARC), 1x USB-C (PD Out, DP In, 2x USB-A 1x 3.5mm

2x HDMI 2.1 (1 with eARC), 2x USB-A, 1x S/PDIF, Ethernet, 1x 3.5mm, Bluetooth

HDMI x2 (x1 eARC), USB-A (power), 3.5mm

BenQ GP520

At half the price, the BenQ GP520 naturally makes some trade-offs. It’s not as elegant, not as bright, not as colorful, and doesn’t have as extensive support for HDR formats. But if you just want to go big with 4K, it can do that job pretty well.

Read our BenQ GP520 review View Deal

JMGO N1S Pro

If you’re watching in a dark room anyway and don’t mind a little slower Google TV experience, the JMGO N1S Pro will let you save a good deal of money while still getting a gorgeous 4K picture from an RGB laser projection system. You’ll miss out on optical zoom and 1080p 240Hz capabilities, though.

Read our JMGO N1S Pro reviewView Deal

Hisense C2 Ultra

Almost the VisionMaster Pro 2’s equal in every way (including price), the Hisense C2 Ultra is a solid alternative. It runs its own VIDAA OS, but it’s a quick one. It also has a built-in gimbal stand and a bonus “subwoofer” speaker. And since the C2 Ultra is a little bit older (don’t worry, not by much), it has had an opportunity for discounts.

Read our Hisense C2 Ultra reviewView Deal

How I tested the Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2

• Tested at home in multiple, real-world viewing conditions
• Presented the display with a variety of media and formats
• I have tested numerous projectors and displays over the last half-decade

I tested the Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 at home, in real-world conditions. This saw it faced with ambient light coming in from numerous windows, in-room lighting, as well as ambient noise that both the projector and speaker systems had to overcome. The projector was tested both against a bare, white wall and an Akia Screens CineWhite screen. It was presented with streamed nsd Blu-ray content, HDR and non-HDR, and PC gameplay.

My testing evaluates the projector’s performance with respect to its price and competition from other models I and colleagues at TechRadar have tested.

I have been testing projectors since 2021 and displays for even longer.

• First reviewed: July, 2025
• Read TechRadar's review guarantee

I don’t envy CD Projekt Red. The task of cramming a gigantic open-world role-playing game (RPG) into a highly compressed package for a new portable console in time for launch day must have been a daunting one.

Even so, the developer has managed something spectacular with Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, which stands apart as easily the most ambitious and accomplished Nintendo Switch 2 port yet.

Review info

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: Nintendo Switch 2
Release date: June 5, 2025

This is the definitive Cyberpunk 2077 package, complete with its superb Phantom Liberty expansion and almost five years of content updates. I must admit that I was less than thrilled with the game back at launch in 2020 thanks to its abysmal performance, bugs, and countless missing features, but today, having been thoroughly polished up, it's without a doubt one of the best RPGs around and offers hundreds of hours of entertainment.

Play your way

(Image credit: CD Projekt)

If you’ve never tried Cyberpunk 2077 before, the Switch 2 version is a worthy place to start. Set in a nightmarish vision of the not-too-distant future, you are V - a fully customizable protagonist. The character creator here is fantastic, thanks in no small part to the sheer number of post-launch additions like new hairstyles and make-up options that it received, and equips you with everything that you need to achieve your desired look.

You could easily spend hours carefully tweaking its many, many sliders, or simply opt for something from the robust selection of presets to jump right in. After nailing your appearance, you’re asked to select a Life Path, effectively your character backstory.

Best bit

(Image credit: Nintendo)

In a world of Game-Key Card releases, you have to give some credit to CD Projekt Red. The physical Nintendo Switch 2 version of Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition comes loaded on a 64GB cartridge, letting you play without a download right out of the box.

There are three to choose from: a wandering nomad, a high-flying corporate fixer, or a basic street thug. Each one dramatically alters the game’s opening, which can spice up subsequent playthroughs, but has a limited impact outside of that. You get a few new dialogue options every now and then, plus the odd unique quest or too, but you shouldn’t expect a radically different experience.

Thankfully, the massive skill trees offer more than enough variety to make repeat playthroughs worthwhile. They’re packed with interesting abilities and cater to a wide range of playstyles. I’ve been an unstoppable axe-wielding giant with the ability to take hits like a fridge, a nimble hacker picking off opponents one at a time completely undetected, and a flashy gunslinger landing deadly critical hits with my pistols.

The option to outfit your character with a range of Cyberware (futuristic body enhancements) brings an even greater level of fine-tuning. From enhanced eyesight to super-powered jumps and electric punches, you may be spoiled for choice, but you’re not going to struggle to find one that suits your desired approach.

Back in the neon streets

(Image credit: CD Projekt)

The Night City setting has always been a visual treat, and it holds up surprisingly well on Nintendo Switch 2. You have two graphics presets to choose from; the standard Quality and Performance modes, but, uniquely, the option to choose a different one for either handheld or docked play. Both target a 1080p picture when docked, with Quality aiming for 30fps and Performance going for 40fps.

Although you do benefit from slightly prettier lighting and reflections in Quality, I would recommend Performance mode all the way when docked, as the framerate is not only higher but less prone to small drops. The resolution can take a noticeable hit every now and then, especially in busier firefights, but never enough to truly spoil the experience.

It’s a huge improvement compared to the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions of Cyberpunk 2077 either way, and doesn’t feel too far off from the kind of performance you would expect on the Xbox Series S - a great result for a portable, slim machine.

(Image credit: CD Projekt)

Performance is also my preference in handheld mode, where it targets 720p at 40fps. The resolution is a little higher in Quality mode, but I don’t think it’s worth losing performance over. Visuals have been noticeably dialed down in handheld compared to docked, but honestly it can be hard to spot many of the cutbacks on the far smaller 7.9inch Nintendo Switch 2 screen compared to a 4K TV.

The game certainly holds up significantly better than The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, another sprawling RPG from the same studio, did back on the original Nintendo Switch. That was undeniably an impressive port too, but the much lower-power hardware led to far more compromised visuals.

Unfortunately, it does fall apart a little when you get to the content from the Phantom Liberty expansion. The neon-lit district of Dogtown pushes the Nintendo Switch 2 to its absolute limits, especially if you start trading fire with its many armed goons. Again, the performance never renders the game unplayable - but it’s noticeably more jagged.

Overall, this handheld performance still puts the Nintendo Switch 2 firmly ahead of its biggest competitor: the Steam Deck OLED. Moving from my Steam Deck to Nintendo Switch 2, the difference was night a day. Playing on Nintendo Switch 2 felt smoother and the visuals were much more consistent throughout.

The higher resolution 1080p screen of the Nintendo Switch 2 also leads to a significantly more crisp picture, though the Steam Deck OLED’s OLED panel does offer brighter colors on the whole.

Hack and slash

(Image credit: CD Projekt)

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition also takes full advantage of a wealth of Nintendo Switch 2 hardware features. There’s support for motion controls with the Joy-Con 2 controllers, allowing you to slash enemies with melee weapons by swinging your arms or aim weapons more precisely with the in-built gyroscope. Mouse controls are also present, which is a blessing if you like to run around with a sniper rifle.

The smart progression sharing system even lets you seamlessly continue your saves from PC, PlayStation, or Xbox. This is a game changer for a title of this size, and a fantastic reason to buy on Nintendo Switch 2. Nothing quite beats the feeling of playing for a few hours on PC before heading out for a flight safe in the knowledge that you can pick up exactly where you left off on the move.

This all results in a Nintendo Switch 2 launch game that’s easy to recommend. It’s a real showcase of the system’s technical chops, utilizes its exclusive features well, and, on top of all that, hosts a rich RPG experience with plenty to do and lots of reasons to replay.

Should I play Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition?Play it if…

You’ve never played Cyberpunk 2077 before
This Ultimate Edition is the perfect starting point if you’ve never tried Cyberpunk before. You get all of the content right out of the box, including the Phantom Liberty expansion. You also benefit from many past content updates and fixes.View Deal

You already adore the game and want to play it on the move
Thanks to the progression sharing system, you can jump straight into your existing saves from PC, PlayStation, or Xbox which makes the Nintendo Switch 2 version a great way to continue playing while you’re out and about.View Deal

You want a meaty launch title
Cyberpunk 2077 is a massive experience that you can easily sink hundreds of hours into. If you’re only buying a few Nintendo Switch 2 launch games and want the most bang for your buck, this one is a must.View Deal

Don’t play it if…

You want the very smoothest performance
Look, the Nintendo Switch 2 isn’t the PS5 Pro. In fact, it performs worse than even the base PS5 even when it's in docked mode. Don’t go into this version expecting the smoothest possible performance or the best looking visuals or you’ll be disappointed.View Deal

Accessibility features

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition features a dedicated accessibility menu with plenty of options. This includes interface customization, such as the ability to enable different colorblind modes (protanopia, tritanopia, and deuteranopia), increase the size of HUD elements, or remove visual effects.

Subtitles are featured throughout the game, with options to change the size and appearance of them. There are also plenty of difficulty options, plus aim assist features for those who find the combat a challenge.

How I reviewed Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition

I played Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition for more than 15 hours on Nintendo Switch 2. During this time I endeavoured to complete as much content as possible and compared my experience to my testing of the PlayStation 5 and PC versions of the game.

I tested both docked and handheld mode, taking the Nintendo Switch 2 out and about on a variety of trips. While on planes or trains, I relied on my trusty pair of Final VR500 earbuds for audio. When playing in docked mode, I used either the Joy-Con 2 controllers or the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller.

First reviewed August 2025

Saucony Ride 18: One minute review

I must admit I wasn’t a huge fan of the Saucony Ride 17. While it was a solid all-rounder, I found the internal molding quite intrusive and it always felt like I was wearing a support shoe rather than a neutral trainer. In the end, it just didn’t work for me, and I passed it on to a friend (who loved it!).

As a result, I was hesitant to try the Ride 18, even though I knew it was a popular model with plenty of great credentials, but I was pleasantly surprised. With just a few subtle tweaks, Saucony has created a far more comfortable shoe which seems to mold to my feet perfectly.

It just goes to show that small changes can make all the difference. Increased structure in the upper, a touch more heel cushioning and bonus foam content are particular highlights. Best of all, the trainer comes at an affordable price, meaning it’s a great value-for-money workhorse, perfect for those easy and long runs.

Much like Brooks Ghost, the Ride 18 is likely to remain a firm favorite for those looking for a cushioned ride. It’s been a complete game changer for me and the Ride 18 is now my go-to road shoe for easy runs and everyday training.

Saucony Ride 18 review: Specifications

Component

Saucony Ride 18

Weight

Around 228g (Womens) 259g (Men’s)

Upper

Engineered mesh with inner sleeve

Midsole

PWRRUN+Foam

Outsole

Durable Rubber

Heel-to-toe drop

8mm

Saucony Ride 18 review: Price and availability

• $145 USD / £130 GBP / AU$239.99
• Affordable considering it's a workhorse
• Frequently found on sale

The Saucony Ride 18 is one of the more affordable road shoes. Priced at $145 USD / £130 GBP / AU$239.99, it can be found at discounted prices, but limited sizes are available.

We’ve spotted it as cheap as £105.00 in the UK at Sports Direct (link) (sportsdirect.com), at $144.95 in the US on Road Runner Sports (link) (roadrunnersports.com), and as low as AU$210 on Sports Direct Australia (link) (au.sportsdirect.com).

• Value score: 4.5/5

Saucony Ride 18 review: Design

(Image credit: Lily Canter)

• Extra cushioning foam
• More pronounced grooving
• No more heel pull-tab

The Saucony Ride 18 retains much of the DNA that made its predecessor popular, yet introduces a series of subtle refinements that combine to deliver a more responsive and comfortable ride. The trainer still employs an 8mm heel-to-toe drop, a specification that appeals to runners seeking a balanced transition without the feeling of a pronounced incline. Underfoot, the PWRRUN+ midsole material has been enhanced with additional cushioning foam, resulting in improved energy return despite a marginal reduction in overall weight. This increased foam content not only makes the shoe feel livelier underfoot, but also boosts the comfort factor.

A closer look at the outsole reveals more pronounced grooving compared with the Ride 17. The more numerous flex grooves provide enhanced grip on a variety of surfaces and encourage a more stable, confident stride. The redesigned tread pattern also appears more wear-resistant, suggesting it will maintain performance over a longer lifespan.

Above the midsole, the engineered knit upper has been reworked to offer greater stretch and conformity around the foot. The device-knit construction wraps the midfoot snugly, eliminating the noticeable internal arch of the previous model and providing a smoother, more uniform pressure distribution. An extra layer of padding in the heel collar further secures the foot in place, preventing slippage without causing discomfort or hotspots during extended runs.

In the forefoot, the generous yet not cumbersome toe-box volume allows natural toe splay without feeling loose. The tongue padding has been optimized to strike a balance between comfort and minimalism, offering enough cushioning to prevent lace-bite without bulking up. The lace system now includes an additional eyelet, enabling various lockdown configurations for a personalized fit. The heel pull-tab has been removed, but this always appeared to be superfluous to me, anyway.

Overall, the Ride 18’s design updates – enhanced foam, refined tread, adaptive upper and tailored fit – combine into a package that feels soft, light and supportive.

• Design score: 4/5

Saucony Ride 18 review: Performance

(Image credit: Lily Canter)

• Solid track shoe
• Handles light trails as well as roads
• Good for most distances

I put the Saucony Ride 18 through its paces on both my regular road runs and interval track sessions, where I was doing 400m and 800m reps, or pacing athletes to smash 5k PBs. On the track, the shoe felt exceptionally smooth and consistent, offering just enough pop from the responsive midsole to sustain a metronomic pace without fatigue. Transitions from heel to toe remained fluid, even when shifting speeds between repeats.

Despite its track prowess, the Ride 18 proved versatile enough for road outings and light trail adventures. The reliable cushioning and grip inspired confidence on varied surfaces, making the pair trustworthy for anything from a brisk parkrun to a 20-mile long run. The outsole’s traction handled damp tarmac and gravel alike.

Although capable in general interval sessions, the Ride 18 does still lack the ultra-lightweight feel and snappy responsiveness of a dedicated racing flat or carbon-plated shoe (but then again, it’s not designed for this kind of running). But for everyday training, tempo runs and mixed-surface routes it strikes an impressive balance of comfort, stability and performance.

• Performance score: 4.5/5

Saucony Ride 18: Should I buy?Buy it if...

You value everyday versatility

The Ride 18 adapts from road to light trail, and from speed to easy running, without missing a beat, making it your go-to trainer for mixed workouts.

You appreciate consistent cushioning

Its balanced PWRRUN Plus midsole delivers a soft, reliable bounce mile after mile, keeping your legs feeling fresh.

You need a snug, secure fit

An adaptive knit upper and padded heel collar hold your foot comfortably in place, so you can focus on your stride.

Don't buy it if...

You demand razor-sharp responsiveness

For race-day flats or super-snappy speed sessions, the Ride 18 feels a touch too plush and mellow.

You’re tackling ultras

While it’s durable, the cushioning isn’t as luxurious as specialist long-distance models, so your feet may tire on very long runs.

You prefer hardcore off-road

For technical trails or deep mud, you’ll want deeper lugs and reinforced protection that this pair can’t provide.

Also consider

Altra FWD Via

Our previous favorite slow, all-rounder shoe

Read our full Altra FWD Via review

Saucony Ride 17

The previous iteration which can now be found quite cheaply.

Read our full Saucony Ride 17 review

First reviewed: July 2025

• View or buy at Mammotion US / Mammotion UK / Mammotion AU

Mammotion Yuka Mini: two-minute reviewProduct info

This model is available in a few slightly different variant:

US: Mini S, Mini 600H, Mini 800H
UK: Mini 600, Yuka Mini 800
AU: Mini 800, Mini 600

For this review, I tested the Mini 600 UK version. There may be minor differences between different countries' models.

The Mammotion Yuka Mini is a relatively compact, simple and affordable robotic mower for small to medium-sized lawns. There are a few different options, but for this review I tested the Mini 600 (called the Mini S in the US) for yards that are 0.15 acres / 600㎡ in size.

While it's far from the fanciest lawnbot on the market, it handled various obstacles impressively well. My parents' yard comprises uneven areas, trees, awkwardly placed beds, and a brook; but none of these posed an issue for the Yuka Mini during tests. It navigated accurately, avoided unexpected obstacles impressively well, and never got lost or tried to take a swim.

I was also extremely happy with the mowing itself. It left the yard looking far neater than if I'd cut it manually, with the grass evenly trimmed and faux-stripes created by the logical mowing route. It operated quietly enough that I could happily read a book nearby, and while not exactly lightning-fast, it has proved sufficiently speedy to tackle the lawn size for which it's designed in an efficient manner.

The impressive performance is hampered somewhat by the brand experience. The app feels basic and a little unintuitive. The instructions provided for setup aren't clear enough for lawnbot newbies – who should also note that finding a good spot for your charge station and RTK receiver is key. During tests I also found the bot would sometimes lose connection, needing to be carried back to within Wi-Fi range before it could be instructed.

Nevertheless, once I'd managed to get everything up and running, I found myself forgetting the minor pain of setup very quickly. I really can't overstate how much time and effort this little bot has saved over the past few weeks, and the lawn looks neater than ever. Overall, for the price it's a very solid investment.

That's the short version; read on for my full Mammotion Yuka Mini review.

(Image credit: Future)Mammotion Yuka Mini review: price & versions

• List price: from $1,099 / £849 / AU$1,499
• Launched: February 2025
• Available: US, UK, AU, Europe

In the US, you have a few options in the Yuka Mini range. The equivalent to the model I've reviewed here is the Mini S, which costs $1,099 and is designed for yards of 0.15 acres / 600 square meters in size. Alternatively, you can opt for a H-series model, which can deal with taller grass. In that line is the Mini 600H for $1,099 or the Mini 800H for $1,299.

In the UK and Australia, you have the Mini 600 (reviewed here) for £849 / AU$1,499. If you have a slightly larger garden, you can go for the Yuka Mini 800 for £1,049 / AU$1,899. I've spotted discounts in all territories; it's not too difficult to avoid paying full whack if you're patient.

While not an especially cheap purchase, I think it offers decent value for money. Build quality is solid and performance is reliable, and this compact lawnbot really is a big effort-saver.

In terms of rival brands, Husqvarna's bots are geared towards larger yards. At time of writing, it has its Automower 115H (which can mow up to 0.4 acres) for $699.99, then prices hop straight up to $1,999.99 for the Automower 415X (up to 0.37 acres).

The Eufy E15 is suitable for yards up to 0.2 acres and is much pricier, at $1,799.99 / £1,499. However, it's a different kind of bot because it uses self-drive car tech rather than satellites to navigate, and therefore is significantly easier to set up.

• Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Mammotion Yuka Mini specs

Product:

Yuka Mini S (US) / Yuka Mini 600 (UK)

Recommended lawn size:

0.15 acres / 600㎡

Max lawn size:

0.2 acres / 800㎡

Cutting width:

7.5in / 19cm

Cutting height:

0.8-2.4in / 2-6cm

Drivetrain:

2-wheel drive

Max zones:

15

Incline ability:

50% / 27 degrees

Waterproof:

IPX6

Lawnbot size (L x W x H):

20.7 x 16.3 x 11.1in / 52.5 x 41.3 x 28.1cm

Lawnbot weight:

23.4 lbs / 10.6kg

Mowing area per charge:

0.04 acres / 150㎡

Charge time:

90 mins

Mowing time per charge:

55 mins

Mammotion Yuka Mini review: design

• Relatively compact, lightweight bot with five cutting blades
• Comes with an RTK receiver and charge station (garage roof is extra)
• AI-equipped, front-mounted camera for object avoidance

The Mammotion Yuka setup comprises three elements: a charge station, an RTK receiver and the lawnbot itself.

Let's start with the robot. It's fairly compact in size, with a plastic upper shell and two chunky, deep-tread wheels to help it traverse uneven ground. On the top is a large control panel that includes a knob to manually adjust cutting height, some simple press buttons, and a big red emergency stop button. There's also an AI-powered camera to help with object identification and avoidance. The whole thing is waterproof to IPX-6 (i.e. it will be fine even in a downpour).

Flip it over and you'll find two smaller front wheels and a spinning cutting deck that holds five ultra-sharp blades. Mammotion has thoughtfully included a ridged grip section at the front and back – well away from those blades – to enable you to safely and securely pick up the robot, if you need to move it past an area that isn't accessible by driving. It's compact and light enough that most able-bodied people should be able to carry it without too much trouble.

The battery tucks in the back of the bot and is detachable, should you need to replace it further down the line.

(Image credit: Future)

The charge station is where the bot returns to dock. It's a black plastic base with raised charge contacts, and plastic ground screws are provided to secure it into the ground. It's potentially worth investing in a "garage roof" to provide protection; despite being waterproof, prolonged exposure to the elements will surely limit the lawnbot's lifespan in the longer term.

You'll want to think about where the charge station will live before buying. It can't go just anywhere, but the literature that comes with the lawnbot isn't great at explaining this. The charge station needs to be somewhere relatively flat, with a clear route to mowing areas, and access to a power outlet. While it doesn't need line-of-sight to the lawnbot (it will communicate via radio signal), it does need at least some view of the sky, so that the bot can talk to the satellites when docked. I struggled to find somewhere suitable initially.

(Image credit: Future)

Finally, the RTK station. This essentially helps make the satellite positioning data more accurate, and is important if you don't want your bot to end up in a flower bed. It looks like a small-ish rounded dome with an antenna protruding downwards – not too obtrusive, but I set it up in my parents' garden and the feedback from my mum was that she wished it wasn't white, because it sticks out too much and spoils her view. (I think she has a point.)

You'll also want to figure out where the RTK station will live before making your purchase. It's best positioned high up, with a clear view of the sky in as many directions as possible. It also needs to be connected to a power source.

There is an option that means you don't need to install the RTK receiver. The Yuka Mini can map and navigate using a "NetRTK and 4G module" – at the time of writing it's free to use, but this added functionality typically comes with a subscription fee. I did not test this option, and I'm not sure if it's suitable for any garden or if there are requirements.

• Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Mammotion Yuka Mini review: performance

• Neat, even cutting and impressively quiet in use
• Navigation was accurate throughout my testing period
• Setup and initial use can be confusing if you're not familiar with lawnbots

Moving on to how well the Yuka Mini performed in practice. I'll start with setup, and the results of my cutting tests.

Setup

The Yuka Mini was the first robot lawn mower I'd tested, and I found initial setup rather painful. Information is lacking from Mammotion (I feel this area could do with improvement), so if you're in this boat too, prepare to do a bit of independent research before embarking on setup. The key things are to find a good spot for your charge station and RTK receiver, as I've discussed above.

With that done, it's a case of mapping your space. There are two options here: manual (for complex mowing areas) and automatic (for simple areas with clear boundaries). My parents' yard, where I tested this bot, includes various grassy areas. The main one includes uneven areas of green, large mid-lawn beds, and has a brook running down one side, so I mapped it manually.

This involved driving the bot carefully around the perimeter of the lawn, using my phone as the remote control. Once I was done, I added no-go zones around any fixed obstructions (trees, beds, patio areas) within the lawn, again by driving over and around them. If you're used to robot vacuums, this mapping process feels much more old-school, but there's no denying it's pretty fun.

(Image credit: Future)

The yard at the front of the house is simpler, with no waterways for the bot to fall into, so I took a chance on automatic mapping. I was impressed – the lawnbot mapped the space quickly and figured out the borders of the beds accurately. Note that you can't map very small areas.

I added routes between connected areas, to enable the bot to find its way back to the base. For some areas – for example, that front yard – it wasn't possible to create a path back to the charge station. I was still able to map and mow these areas, but I had to carry the robot back to the charge base area once it was done, and it would yell at me that the robot was tilted as I did so.

(Image credit: Future)Cutting and navigation performance

I was very impressed with this robot's cutting performance. It mowed each lawn zone neatly and evenly, leaving faux stripes in its path. It appeared to take a logical path, too, mowing in parallel lines over the main body of each lawn area and then looping around the perimeter to catch the edges.

There were very occasionally narrow strips between lines that remained uncut, but these could be taken care of by remote-control mowing after the task was complete, or (more commonly for me) left to be caught on the next mowing session.

The Yuka Mini also proved very quiet in operation, and significantly quieter than a traditional mower. I was able to happily sit on a sun lounger on the patio and read my book while it took care of the adjacent lawn – surely, the ideal scenario anyone is hoping for when they purchase one of these.

(Image credit: Future)

Once everything was set up properly, I didn't encounter any issues with navigation; the lawnbot never got lost or ended up somewhere it should not be, and it reliably returned to its base once a task was complete – or if it ran out of juice mid-mow. It had no trouble traversing really quite steep ground, and was able to mow quite close to the sloped edge of the brook without taking a dip. (Initially, I left a large border for fear the Yuka Mini would go for a swim, but once I'd used it for a while and seen how well it navigated, I shifted the perimeter closer to the water.)

Object avoidance is solid, too. If I stood in front of the bot while it was mowing, it would duly pause and make its way around me before continuing.

• Performance score: 4 out of 5

Mammotion Yuka Mini review: app

• App is fine but on the basic side, and lacks some fine-tuned controls
• Not the most logical layout, with some functions hard to find
• Functional, once you've figured out the quirks

Most control for the Yuka Mini comes via the companion app. Overall I found it fine, but not amazing. I'm more used to testing robot vacuums, and in comparison to most of the robovac apps I've used, the Mammotion app felt a little clunky and simplistic. Settings aren't always where you'd expect to find them; there were some spelling errors in the text (not the end of the world, but indicative of a lack of care); and the instructions weren't always clear.

For example, the bot is apparently designed to straddle the edges of paths, so you don't end up with an uncut border. I expected this to be an option you could toggle on or off in the app, but it's not. (It's only suitable for paths that are perfectly flat, and the ones in my test yard don't fit this requirement.) There's a decent range of adjustment options, but they're a little tucked away and not accessible if the bot has lost connection to the internet.

Click to see large version (Image credit: Mammotion)

The map is also very simplistic; just a cutting area, with nothing else specified. I imagined you might be able to indicate a tree, a flower bed or a pond – if not to adjust how the lawnbot behaves at that border, then at least to help you understand where you are on the map. This is not an option, however.

I found if I was a long way from the lawnbot, the app would regularly lose contact. If the robot wasn't cutting at the time, I'd have to carry the bot back to within Wi-Fi range before I could instruct it. If it was cutting at the time, it would continue on with its task, but I couldn't watch its progress. This felt a little risky, although I guess I'd only be getting very basic information anyway.

All that said, once I'd figured out where things were, the app was usable and did what I needed it to. Middling marks.

• App score: 3 out of 5

Should you buy the Mammotion Yuka Mini?

Attribute

Notes

Rating

Value

Not cheap, but relatively affordable in the market, and there are deals to be had. Product feels high quality.

4 / 5

Design

Relatively compact and lightweight lawnbot. Navigates using satellites and an RTK receiver, although there is also a paid-for 4G navigation option.

4.5 / 5

Performance

Neat, quiet and thorough mowing, and reliable navigation and object avoidance. Setup a little confusing.

4 / 5

App

Rather basic, slightly unintuitive and lacks fine controls, although generally does what you need it to do.

3 / 5

Buy it if...

You have a small to medium-sized yard
The Yuka Mini I tested is designed for spaces of around 0.15 acres / 600㎡ in size, and there's also a version for up to 0.2 acres / 800㎡. The relatively compact design won't overwhelm a smaller yard.

You're looking for something affordable
A lot of lawnbots cost thousands, whereas this bot is far more affordable – especially if you snag one of the semi-regular deals.

Don't buy it if...

You want the crème de la crème of the range
This little bot performed great in my tests, but it isn't as advanced as the Mammotion Luba 2, which has all the latest bells and whistles you could hope for.

You have a very large yard
The bot I tested is designed for yards of around 0.15 acres / 600㎡, although alternatives in the Yuka Mini range can manage up to 0.2 acres / 800㎡. There are plenty of options that cater to bigger yards, offering wider cutting decks and longer runtimes, if that won't suffice.

You're a total technophobe
I found setup a little painful, and the basic app and lack of clear instructions from Mammotion don't help. If you want a lawnbot that will do it all for you, take a look at the Dreame E15.

Mammotion Yuka Mini: alternatives to consider

Mammotion Yuka Mini 600

Mammotion LUBA 2 AWD 1000

Recommended lawn size:

0.15 acres / 600㎡

0.25 acres / 1,000㎡

Max lawn size:

0.2 acres / 800㎡

0.3 acres / 1,012㎡

Cutting width:

7.5in / 19cm

15.7in / 40cm

Cutting height:

0.8-2.4in / 2-6cm, mechanical

1 - 2.7in / 2.5-7cm, motorized

Drivetrain:

Two-wheel drive

All-wheel drive

Max zones:

15

10

Incline ability:

50% (27°)

80% (38°)

Waterproof:

IPX6

IPX6 & IPX7

Lawnbot size (L x W x H):

20.7 x 16.3 x 11.1in / 52.5 x 41.3 x 28.1cm

27.2 x 20.2 x 10.7in / 69 x 51.3 x 27.3cm

Lawnbot weight:

23.4lbs / 10.6kg

37.7lbs / 17.1 kg

Mow time per charge:

55 mins

120 mins

Mammotion LUBA 2 robot mower

The LUBA is an altogether fancier, more tech-packed option from Mammotion. There are various versions that can manage large yards, and it offers longer runtimes and four-wheel drive for trickier terrain.

Read our full Mammotion LUBA 2 robot mower review.

How I tested the Mammotion Yuka Mini

I set up the Mammotion Yuka Mini in my parents' yard, which includes three main grassy areas. There are various obstacles, including patio areas, beds in the middle of the lawn, trees and a brook. I set it up using the instructions provided (supplemented by my own research, when that didn't go to plan), mapped the area, and ran several mowing tests over the course of a few days. It was then used as the primary mower over the course of the month that followed, with me visiting regularly to check on progress. I assessed it based on the neatness of cutting, accuracy of navigation, and ease of use.

Read more about how we test

• First reviewed July 2025

Sage Luxe Brewer Thermal: two-minute review

If you enjoy drip coffee, this machine should be right at the top of your list. Sold under the brand name Sage in the UK, and Breville elsewhere in the world, the Luxe Brewer Thermal is a compact machine that does the basics extremely well, while also offering a set of carefully curated customization options, yet never making things unnecessarily complicated.

As the name suggests, one of the Luxe Brewer Thermal's standout features is its insulated carafe, which is the best I've ever used. All companies claim that their double-walled carafes will keep your freshly brewed drinks hot for hours on end, but this one actually does. Even four hours after brewing, the outside of the jug was cold to the touch and the coffee within remained the optimal temperature for drinking, despite having prepared a half quantity (larger volumes hold their heat even better).

Want to wake up to freshly brewed coffee? There's a delayed start timer, too, which can be easily set in a couple of seconds.

The Luxe Brewer Thermal offers hot and cold brewing, with customizable brew settings (Image credit: Future)

The removable water tank is another great feature, and is easy to lift away for refilling at the sink. No more struggling to pour water into your machine when it's on the kitchen counter. The only downside is that the tank's handle is quite small and not particularly ergonomic, although that's quite a minor quibble.

The handles on the carafe and basket assembly are far more robust, and the machine is supplied with flat-bottomed and cone-shaped filters so you can make your choice depending on how large a batch you're planning to prepare. A handy printed guide will help you pick the appropriate shape, as well as measure out the optimum quantities of ground coffee and water.

You can tweak hot brewing options (including brew time and temperature) or try cold-brewing your coffee over 24 hours for a more sweet and mellow flavor.

There's nothing excessively complicated here – just the fundamentals executed extremely well. If you're a filter fan, you won't be disappointed.

Sage Luxe Brewer Thermal: price and availability

The Sage Luxe Brewer Thermal (known as the Breville Luxe Brewer Thermal outside the UK) launched in June 2025 with a list price of $349.95 / £249.95. It isn't sold in Australia at the time of writing, but will soon be available for AU$579. You'll find today's best deals listed below.

In the US, the Luxe Brewer Thermal launched alongside the Luxe Brewer Glass, which (as its name suggests) comes with a glass jug rather than an insulated carafe. The Luxe Brewer Glass is slightly cheaper, at $319.95.

For American coffee-drinkers, this is about the same price as the Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker, which costs $365. The Aiden has some advanced features such as automatic water temperature adjustment and bloom time, which the Luxe Brewer Thermal lacks. However, in my experience, the Aiden doesn't have such a well-insulated carafe. During tests, coffee brewed with the Aiden began to go noticeably cold within an hour.

In the UK, the Aiden is considerably more expensive than the Luxe Brewer Thermal, with a list price of £365.

Sage Luxe Brewer Thermal: specifications

Dimensions (H x W x D)

16 x 14.7 x 7 inches / 40.77 x 37.24 x 17.7cm

Weight

10.3lbs / 4.68kg

Water tank capacity

60floz / 1.7 liters

Filter baskets

Two (cone and flat-bottomed)

Brewing modes

Two (hot and cold)

Timer

Yes

Insulated carafe

Yes

Hotplate

No

Sage Luxe Brewer Thermal: design

The Sage Luxe Brewer Thermal is a smart, modern-looking drip coffee machine with a brushed metallic finish and a surprisingly small footprint (just 14.7 x 7 inches / 37.24 x 17.7cm), which makes it a good option for compact kitchens. If you like the idea of having a drip machine alongside your espresso maker, but had been wondering how to fit it in, it could be the perfect solution.

One of its best features is its removeable water tank, which you can easily carry to the sink to refill. Its wide opening makes it easy to fill without spills and splashes. The tank has a small handle on the side that's just large enough to loop a finger through. It helps with removing the tank from the machine, but isn't enough to support its weight once full, so you'll need to support the tank with your other hand.

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The Luxe Brewer Thermal has a removable water tank, which is very convenient, although its handle is quite small (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

The machine is supplied with a filter, and replacements are available to buy direct from Sage (Image credit: Future)

For users with mobility issues, it might have been nice if the tank had a larger, more ergonomic handle like those on the basket and carafe, which are both robust and easy to carry (even when the carafe is full).

The Luxe Brewer Thermal is supplied with a water hardness testing strip (the results of which are used for the machine's initial configuration) and a water filter that connects to an adapter and pushes into the bottom of the tank. Most filter machines I've tested don't come with a filter, so this is an added boon.

The machine cones with a reusable mesh flat-bottomed filter, plus filter papers if you want easier cleanup and finer filtering (Image credit: Future)

The machine comes with two filter baskets – one cone and one flat-bottomed – plus a set of flat-bottomed filter papers, and a reusable mesh cone filter. The instructions warn you to use either paper filters or the mesh one, but not both together. Cone filter papers are readily available from supermarkets, so I don't think it's a problem that these aren't supplied.

The Luxe Brewer Thermal is available in several different colors, although your options will vary depending on where you buy it. In the UK, it's only available in Stainless Steel; but coffee fans in the US can also choose Black Truffle, Sea Salt (white), Damson Blue, and Olive Tapenade. When it launches in Australia, it will be available in Stainless Steel and Black Truffle.

Sage Luxe Brewer Thermal: performance

The Sage Luxe Brewer Thermal is super simple to set up and use. You start by using the water testing strip to determine the hardness of your tap water; then soak the water filter in water for five minutes, fit its adapter, and twist it into place at the bottom of the water tank. You'll then be able to set the water hardness on the machine, along with the time, which will be used for the delayed start function. Allow it to run a quick rinse cycle, and you're ready to brew.

The printed instructions supplied with the machine are quite basic, with Ikea-style illustrations, but there are much more detailed directions available online, which will cover anything you're uncertain about.

Using the Luxe Brewer Thermal is pretty self-explanatory, particularly thanks to a chart that lists how much water and ground coffee to use when brewing a particular number of cups, and whether to use the cone or flat-bottomed basket.

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The lid of the carafe can be locked to prevent accidental pouring (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

The carafe is extremely well insulated, keeping freshly brewed coffee hot for hours (Image credit: Future)

Once you've hit "brew", the machine will quickly and quietly get to work; the only particularly noticeable noise comes at the end of the brewing cycle, when the pump is draining the last few dregs of water from the tank. Once complete, the Luxe Brewer Thermal will beep to let you know your coffee is ready.

The thermal carafe is particularly impressive. The more coffee you brew, the better it will hold its heat. Having said that, even when I prepared only half a carafe, the contents were still at 149ºC / 65ºF after four hours. That's slightly hotter than you'd want for drinking immediately without a splash of cold milk. In fact, the first time I used the Luxe Brewer Thermal, I wasn't sure it had actually finished because even though it was full of piping-hot coffee, the outside of the jug was cold to the touch.

Once you've brewed a pot, the machine’s display will show how long ago it was made, which is handy for households with multiple coffee-drinkers.

Brew settings are adjustable if you want to tweak the flavor of your coffee, with options including bloom time and brew temperature (Image credit: Future)

I also like its large, ergonomically designed handle, which matches that of the brew basket assembly, and makes it easy to carry and pour even when full.

The default settings worked very well with my freshly bought and ground beans, but if you find the flavor isn't quite to your taste, selecting the "custom" option will let you tweak the bloom volume (the amount of hot water dispensed onto the ground coffee for pre-infusion), bloom time (how long the coffee is allowed to pre-infuse), brew temperature, and flow rate (how rapidly the water is dispensed onto the coffee).

The Sage Luxe Brewer Thermal is also capable of cold-brewing, but you might not be able to see this option on the screen at first. That's because the coffee needs to steep in the basket for 24 hours, and the basket has a maximum capacity of four cups. If there's too much water in the machine's tank, it won't be offered.

The Sage Luxe Brewer Thermal has a dedicated button for delayed start. Just tap it, use the dial to set the timer, and it's ready to go (Image credit: Future)

Before cold-brewing, you'll be prompted to remove the lid from the carafe so the water remains in the brew basket, and the timer will begin counting down. Once the 24 hours are up, you can position the lidded carafe to release your brew. As you would expect from cold-brew made the conventional way, the flavor is pleasingly rounded and rich, with a sweeter profile than coffee prepared hot.

It's simple, but very well executed, like all of this machine's features. Although there’s a selection of customization options, there are no unnecessary frills. Drip coffee shouldn’t be complicated, and with the Luxe Brewer Thermal, it isn’t.

Should you buy the Sage Luxe Brewer ThermalBuy it if

You really enjoy drip coffee

The Luxe Brewer Thermal will do your beans justice, and keep your batch brew hot for hours without stewing it on a hotplate. You can fine-tune brew settings if you want; but, ultimately, it keeps things simple and does them very well.

You enjoy authentic cold-brew

There's no shortage of coffee makers that claim to make authentic-tasting cold-brewed coffee, but the Luxe Brewer Thermal does it the traditional way by steeping the grounds for 24 hours. It's easy, convenient, and makes virtually no mess.

Don't buy it if

You want a traditional-looking batch brewer

The Luxe Brewer Thermal has a distinctly modern look with its brushed metal finish and clean lines. If you want a more conventional-looking brewer, take a look at the Moccamaster KBGV Select instead (see below).

You want the cheapest option

The Luxe Brewer Thermal carries a mid-range price tag, and there are definitely cheaper options available, although they don't offer the same performance.

Sage Luxe Brewer Thermal: also consider

If you're not sure whether the Sage Luxe Brewer Thermal is the right coffee maker for you, here are two other options to consider:

Moccamaster KBGV Select

The Moccamaster comes highly recommended if you want a more striking machine, although it relies on a hotplate rather than an insulated carafe to keep your drink hot, and stewing for 100 minutes can have a detrimental effect on the taste of your drink.

Read our full Moccamaster KBGV Select review

Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker

I really wanted to love the super-smart Aiden, which automatically calculates the optimum brew settings for your beans, but it's let down by an insulated carafe that just doesn't hold the heat like the Luxe Brewer Thermal's pitcher.

Read our full Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker review

How I tested the Sage Luxe Brewer Thermal

I used the Sage Luxe Brewer Thermal with tap water and the supplied water filter, with the machine set to the recommended water hardness setting. I used freshly bought coffee from a local roaster (a blend of Brazilian and Columbian beans), ground at home immediately before using.

I used the machine on its default hot brewing settings, then experimented with adjusting options including bloom temperature, bloom time, and brew temperatures. I also used the delayed start function to start brewing first thing in the morning, and used the cold-brew function several times, comparing the taste of coffee brewed this way to prepared hot.

After brewing a batch of hot coffee, I tested the temperature every hour with a chef's thermometer to see how well the carafe retained heat.

For more details, see how TechRadar tests, rates, and reviews products.

First reviewed July 2025

Amazfit Bip 6: One minute review

I was eager to get my hands on the budget-friendly Amazfit Bip 6 to see if it matches up to the likes of the CMF Watch 2 Pro or Amazfit Active 2, our five-star best cheap smartwatch pick. When we reviewed the Amazfit Bip smartwatch back in 2019, we praised its amazing value, stylish design, and excellent companion app. Now at version 6, the Bip 6 is better than ever.

Across the board, the Bip 6 delivers. A sleek design, copious number of workout options, and onboard GPS all contribute to delivering a smartwatch that rivals many of the best smartwatches and fitness trackers. That’s not all the Bip 6 can do though, and it’s not quite all positive. However, considering its low price, it certainly delivers where it counts.

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)Amazfit Bip 6: Specifications

Price:

$79.99 US / £79.90 UK / AU$169

Dimensions:

46.3 x 40.2 x 10.45mm

Weight:

27.9g without strap

Case/Bezel:

Aluminum alloy and fiber-reinforced polymer

Display:

Size: 1.97-inch AMOLED 390x450px PPI 302

GPS:

Yes

Battery life:

Up to 14-days battery life

Connection:

Bluetooth

Water resistance:

5 ATM

Amazfit Bip 6: Price and availability

• $79.99 US / £79.90 UK
• An impressively good watch for the price

The Amazfit Bip 6 smartwatch is one of a growing number of budget-friendly smartwatches that deliver surprisingly good specs. You can pick it up for only $79.99 US / £79.90 UK with available colorways including black, red, and stone. By way of comparison, the five-star Amazfit Active 2 costs $99.99 US / £99.99 UK. AU pricing is TBC.

• Value score: 4.5/5

Amazfit Bip 6: Design

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)

• 1.97-inch AMOLED display
• Liquid silicone strap
• 5 ATM water resistance

Let’s turn our attention to the design and build quality of this watch. Straight out the box, I was amazed by how good it looked. I had seen pictures of it, but because of the low price I was expecting to receive a poorly-built smartwatch. Sorry for my pessimism, Amazfit, you’ve ended up exceeding my expectations.

The frame is made of aluminum alloy while the case is fiber-reinforced polymer. It’s ever-so-slightly larger than the Bip 5, although not noticeably. I appreciated how flush it sat on my wrist and is light enough to blend into the background, even when exercising.

This smooth, bevelled metal case houses a gorgeous 1.97-inch AMOLED display which is an upgrade from the TFT on the previous iteration. This results in higher contrast, vibrant colors, and lower power consumption. And at a peak brightness of 2000 nits, I had no problem viewing the screen in even the brightest of lighting conditions.

The screen has a 380 x 450 resolution and 302 PPI, which isn’t far short of the Apple Watch Ultra. All of this is protected by 2.5D tempered glass so you don’t have to worry about it smashing – within reason, that is.

The watch is operated with two buttons located on the right-hand side of the case. They are large enough to be easily locatable but not big enough to get in the way. Personally, I love wearing a smartwatch with a crown button because it helps me navigate through the long list of workout options. As much as I missed it on the Bip 6, I soon got used to swiping the touchscreen instead.

The liquid silicone strap is comfortable, although a little awkward to put on. This is because the process of tucking the strap away actually clamps the watch in tighter. This made it difficult to reliably find the right position for the catch time after time. To provide a high level of choice and individuality, the strap can be purchased in a variety of different colors including black, charcoal, stone, red, and blush.

The Bip 6 has a water-resistance grade of 5 ATM, which means it can withstand water pressure down to 50 meters. Despite this, it’s not designed to be taken swimming for long periods of time or for intense water sports. I’m not doing either of those but have worn it in the shower and not encountered any problems at all.

• Design score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)Amazfit Bip 6: Features

• 24/7 Health monitoring and over 140 activity modes
• Make and answer calls
• Track progress through the Zepp app

As well as an AMOLED display, 5ATM water resistance, and on-board GPS, the Bip 6 delivers an impressive range of health monitoring and more activity modes than you could shake a stick at, alongside functionality for making and answering phone calls.

First up is Amazfit's BioTracker technology, enabling round-the-clock health monitoring. This includes heart rate, blood-oxygen levels, stress levels, and sleep quality. There’s nothing out of the ordinary or particularly special but strong for a budget smartwatch.

Things get a little more exciting when we get into activity modes. Not only are there over 140 of them including running, cycling, and swimming, but there’s also a dedicated HYROX race mode. I’ve never actually partaken in one of these races but if you’re into HYROX,this would be the ideal smartwatch for you. Tracking through the series of 1km runs and various functional fitness tests would be a nightmare on any other smartwatch, but with the Bip 6 all parts of the set order of exercises are handled for you.

Thanks to a built-in microphone and Bluetooth technology, the Bip 6 is able to make and answer calls like a pro. You’ll also be able to receive notifications and reply to texts using Zepp Flow.

Health tracking and activity records can be accessed through the watch but the most extensive insights are available through the Zepp app. If you’d like even more advanced wellness information then you’ll have to subscribe to Zepp Aura inside of the Zepp app itself.

• Features score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)Amazfit Bip 6: Performance

• Single-frequency GPS, but accurate
• Zepp flow streamlines using the phone
• Positive user-experience

In terms of using the smartwatch, everything was very positive. The watch wakes up quickly and reliably when the wrist is rotated and the interface is adequately responsive. The watch lost pairing with the app a few times but re-pairing was quick and painfree. Data such as notifications and weather information were also delivered promptly and effficiently.

The Bip 6 also features built-in GPS, although it’s only single frequency at this price. Despite the lack of dual-frequency GNSS technology I found the Bip 6 to be both reliable and accurate. If you need super accurate tracking even through densely built-up areas then you’ll be better off with a dual-frequency watch such as the Garmin Forerunner 255 instead. That being said, I did take the Bip 6 into a dense forest and it had no problems picking up GPS within seconds.

During walks, runs, and cycling, I tested the Bip 6 alongside the Suunto Race S which is my usual tracking preference. I was pleasantly surprised to find that many of the results were comparable, including heart rate, pace, distance traveled, and more. I also love how granular the Zepp app presents all this data, with in-depth graphics, plenty of stats, and bar chart dials. Being able to compare similar types of workouts over a period of time was also very helpful.

The Bip 6 also supports offline maps which helps when you know signal is going to be sketchy. By downloading unknown routes ahead of time, I was able to guarantee that navigation wouldn’t be a problem.

It is possible to play music while working out, but you’ll have to download music to the watch first. The lack of support for music streaming services like Spotify means you’ll have to be prepared ahead of time and preload your favorite music onto the watch. I like that it’s possible to listen to music through the watch, but the lack of convenience is a negative for the overall experience.

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Battery life is impressive, especially given the price of the watch. The battery capacity has actually been raised from previous models from 300mAh to 340mAh, boosting overall performance and offering 14 days battery life with typical usage. By tracking around one or two activities per day, I found the watch actually lasted between 15 and 20 days.

As soon as I increased that and made use of the GPS more frequently, I quickly found that the battery life dropped to nearer 10 days. Recharging was possible through the custom Amazfit charging attachment that connects to the back of the watch. My only gripe was that there was no USB-C cable included, so you’ll need to source that yourself. A full recharge from empty took 120 minutes.

Finally let’s talk about Zepp Flow. This feature allows users to operate the watch using simple voice commands. Once I became familiar with the range of accepted commands, I found myself hardly using the GUI and associated buttons. I was able to adjust settings, check health data, start workouts, and reply to notifications with ease.

If Sam Altman and Jony Ive have their way, then the future of devices will look very different to what we have today. Devices will likely become entirely unobtrusive and operated solely with the voice. The Bip 6, with Zepp Flow, appears to be a step in that direction and Amazfit has absolutely nailed the implementation. I am excited to see how it pushes this design even further in future iterations.

• Performance score: 4/5

Amazfit Bip 6: Scorecard

Category

Comment

Score

Value

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more capable smartwatch at this price point.

4.5/5

Design

A great-looking watch that is comfortable to wear.

4/5

Features

The Bip 6 does all the basics well with little to set it apart from the rest.

4/5

Performance

Accurate GPS and seamless operation using Zepp Flow.

4/5

Total

A well-rounded smartwatch that offers a lot given the budget-friendly price.

4/5

Amazfit Bip 6: Should I buy?

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)Buy if it...

You want your money to go further
At $79.99 US / £79.90 UK you’ll be amazed at how much performance and quality you get for the price.

You like simple and sleek design
The Bip 6 looks more premium than the price tag would suggest. The materials give away its budget status but it still looks nice.

You want GPS tracking
With onboard GPS you’ll be able to track your workouts to your heart’s content.

Don't buy it if...

You’re put off by paid subscriptions
Access to wellness and personalized reports will require Zepp Aura, a subscription-based service.

You need the very best GPS
With single frequency GPS you might find you have problems in densely built-up areas.

Also consider

Fitbit Charge 6

A little bit more expensive but still relatively affordable

Read our full Fitbit Charge 6 review

Garmin Forerunner 165

A more expensive watch, but a better outdoor companion.

Read our full Garmin Forerunner 165 review

How I tested

Having worn the Amazfit Bip 6 for two months, I’ve had plenty of opportunity to get a proper feel of what the watch is like in reality. My testing has covered all elements of the watch including ‘smart’ features alongside the health and fitness tracking parts. I’ve also had it on at night to give the sleep tracking a rigorous test. This is a watch that I’ll continue to enjoy wearing, not only from a comfort point of view but also from a performance perspective.

First reviewed: July 2025